RESOLUTION NO. ____ _
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA, TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE
2024 URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, On June 25, 2020, the City was awarded a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) grant that provided funding to hire a contractor that would assess the City's current urban forest, tree inventory, green canopy, along with City policies.; and
WHEREAS, On July 21, 2022, Council approved the award of a Consultant Services Agreement with Dudek to create a 40-year Urban Forest Management Plan to provide guidance, direction, and recommend improvements to the City's current processes and policies.; and
WHEREAS, in conjunction with the implementation of the Urban Forest Management Plan, the City has had all City trees inventoried, planted 86 trees, and revised the City Approved Tree List.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Fresno as follows:
1. Approved and adopts the 2024 Urban Forest Management Plan attached hereto and incorporated herein as reference.
2. This resolution shall be effective upon final approval.
Date Adopted:
Date Approved:
Effective Date:
C,t LJCity Attorney Approval: �-�
* * * * * * • * * * * * * *
1 of 2
Resolution No.
URBAN FOREST
MANAGEMENT PLAN
PREPARED BY
February 2024
ii | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS ...........................................V ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ..........................................................VI VISION ....................................................................................VIII URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN ..............................XI 1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................XII
1.1 Healthy Trees, Healthy Fresno ...............................................1
1.2 City History ..................................................................................3
1.3 Overview of Fresno’s Tree Inventory ....................................6 2 CHALLENGES FACING THE URBAN FOREST ..................8
2.1 Acknowledging Fresno’s Urban Forest Needs ...............14 3 DEVELOPING THE FRESNO URBAN FOREST
MANAGEMENT PLAN ...........................................................16
3.1 Tree Inventory Analysis .........................................................17
3.2 Canopy Cover Assessment ..................................................18
3.3 Analysis of Current Plans, Policies, and Ordinances .....18
3.4 Department Interviews ..........................................................19
3.5 Community Engagement ......................................................20
3.5.1 Public Meetings .............................................................21
3.5.2 Outreach Events ...........................................................21
3.5.3 Survey Results ...............................................................30
3.5.4 Working Group ..............................................................32
3.6 Key Findings .......................................................... 34 4 FRESNO’S URBAN FOREST PROGRAM .........................38
4.1 Urban Forest Sustainability ..................................................39
4.1.1 Citywide Canopy Cover .......................................................39
4.1.2 Increasing Canopy Cover ....................................................42
4.1.3 Planting Scenarios to Increase Canopy Cover ...............44
4.1.4 Tree Equity ...............................................................................50
4.1.5 Opportunity and Priority Planting Areas ..........................54
4.2 Tree Inventory Sustainability ...............................................56
4.2.1 Species Diversity Summary .......................................56
4.2.2 Climate Preparedness .................................................60
4.2.3 DSH Distribution Summary .........................................64
4.2.4 Importance Values Summary .....................................66
4.3 Urban Forest Management ..................................................67
4.3.1 Annual Service Data ....................................................67
4.3.2 Recommended Species Palette ................................68
4.3.3 Budget and Funding ....................................................68
4.3.4 Staffing and Contractors .............................................70
4.3.5 Funding Strategies .......................................................71 5 STRATEGIC PLAN ..............................................................72
5.1 Vision Statement .....................................................................73
5.2 Urban Forest Management Pathways ...............................73
5.2.1 Scenario One: Business as Usual .............................74
5.2.2 Scenario Two: Reach Pruning BMP .........................76
5.2.3 Scenario Three: Fill Existing Vacant Sites ..............78
5.2.4 Scenario Four: 20% Canopy Cover Goal ................80
5.3 Guiding Principles, Strategies, and Actions .....................82 iv | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ..................................................92 7 MONITORING PLAN ....................................................... 102 8 REFERENCES ...................................................................104 9 APPENDIX ........................................................................108
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1-1. The Benefits of Trees ...................................................2 Exhibit 1-2. Fresno’s Historical Water Levels ..............................4 Exhibit 1-3. Annual Cost to Water a New Tree in Fresno ......5 Exhibit 2-1. Urban Heat Island Effect ......................................10 Exhibit 3-1. Idea Generating Activity Board 1 .......................27 Exhibit 4-1. Land Use Classification .......................................40 Exhibit 4-2. Map of Tree Canopy Cover in Fresno .............41 Exhibit 4-3. Total Number of Trees Needed to Increase
Canopy Cover Above 14.6% .......................................................45 Exhibit 4-4. Annual Public and Private Tree Planting
Over 40 Y ears needed to Meet Canopy Goals .....................47 Exhibit 4-5. Right Tree, Right Place ..........................................48 Exhibit 4-6. Map of Census Tracts within
Canopy Analysis Area ...................................................................51 Exhibit 4-7. Map of Fresno CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Scores ...53 Exhibit 4-8. Planting Priority Score by Fresno
Census Tract and Council District ..............................................55 Exhibits 4-9. Top 10 Genera in the City Inventory ...............58 Exhibits 4-10. Top 10 Species in the City Inventory ...........59 Exhibit 4-11. Water Use Rating Distribution
of the City’s Tree Inventory ..........................................................61 Exhibit 4-12. Top 10 Species Predicted to be
Unsuitable for Fresno’s Future Climates ..................................63 Exhibit 4-13. Diameter at Standard Height
Distribution of the City’s Tree Inventory ...................................65 Exhibit 4-14. Ten Species with the Highest
Importance Values in the City’s Inventory ..............................66 Exhibit 4-15. DPW’s Forestry Section
Organizational Chart Title ............................................................70 Exhibit 5-1. Fresno’s Estimated Cost for
Managing its Urban Forest with Current Practices ...............74 Exhibit 5-2. Fresno’s Tree Age Distribution ...........................75 Exhibit 5-3. Fresno’s Estimated Cost for
Managing its Urban Forest with Pruning BMP ........................76 Exhibit 5-4. Fresno’s Tree Age Distribution ...........................77 Exhibit 5-5. Fresno’s Estimated Cost for Managing
its Urban Forest with Filling the Vacant Sites .........................78 Exhibit 5-6. Fresno’s Tree Age Distribution ...........................79 Exhibit 5-7. Fresno’s Estimated Cost for Managing
its Urban Forest with 20% Canopy Cover ...............................80 Exhibit 5-8. Fresno’s Tree Age Distribution ...........................81 CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACRONYMS &
ABBREVIATIONS
ANSI American National
Standards Institute
BMP Best Management
Practice
DPW Department of Public
Works
ISA International Society of
Arboriculture
TABLES
Table 1-1. Fresno’s City-Managed Tree Inventory Locations .........................6 Table 1-2. Annual Environmental Services and Benefits
Provided by City-Managed Tree Inventory ...........................................................6 Table 1-3. Financial Value of City-Managed Trees ............................................7 Table 3-1. List of Interviews ..................................................................................19 Table 3-2. Results of “Where do we need more trees” Activity ..................23 Table 3-3. Results of “What do you love most about trees” Activity.......... 24 Table 3-4. Results of Idea Generating Activity 1 .............................................26 Table 3-5. Results of Idea Generating Activity 2 .............................................28 Table 3-6. Summary of Fresno Tree Survey Responses ...............................31 Table 3-7. Fresno Urban Forest Management Plan
Working Group Members .......................................................................................32 Table 4-1. Annual Tree Planting to Reach 20% Canopy
Cover Calculation Method .....................................................................................43 Table 4-2. Annual Tree Service Data ..................................................................67 Table 4-3. Fresno’s Funding Sources................................................................. 68 Table 4-4. Where DPW’s Urban Forestry Section Funding
is Spent by Task Area ..............................................................................................68 Table 4-5. Where DPW’s Urban Forestry Section Funding
is Spent By Tree Activity .........................................................................................69 Table 4-6. DPW’s Forestry Section Salaries Spent on the Urban Forest ..69 Table 4-7. DPW’s Forestry Section Head Count and Position Title ...........70 vi | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | vii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CITY OF FRESNO STAFF
Public Works Department
Scott Mozier—Director
Brian Russell—Assistant Director
Vincent Patlan—Landscape Manager
Erika Pelayo-Lopez—Community Coordinator
Dan Turner—Forestry Supervisor I
WORKING GROUP MEMBERS
Aaron Aguirre— City of Fresno, Parks After School,
Recreation and Community Services, Director
Heidi Briggs—City of Fresno, Personnel Department,
Principal Labor Relations Risk Analyst
Bret Conner—City of Fresno, Public Works Department,
Street Maintenance Manager
Wendy Cornelius—City Of Fresno, Department of Public
Utilities, Water Conservation Supervisor
Matthew Grundy—City of Fresno, Office of the Mayor,
Deputy Mayor
Pastor Booker Lewis—City of Fresno, Community Liaison
Brendan Mills—City of Fresno, Parks After School,
Recreation and Community Services Parks, Supervisor II
Robin O’Malley—City of Fresno, General Services
Department, Facilities Manager
Vincent Patlan—City of Fresno, Public Works Department, Landscape Manager
Erika Pelayo-Lopez—City of Fresno, Public Works
Department, Community Coordinator
Phillip Siegrist—City of Fresno, Planning and Development Department, Planning Manager
Dan Turner—City of Fresno, Public Works Department,
Forestry Supervisor I
Mona Cummings—CEO, Tree Fresno
Patrick Denney—PG&E Vegetation Management, VOI
Supervisor
Sarah Parkes—San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, Assistant Director
See Thao—San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, Air Quality Specialist I
FUNDING PROVIDED BY
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
PREPARED BY
Dudek – Urban Forestry Division
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
viii | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
VISION STATEMENT
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | ix
VISION
Fresno’s urban forest is a collection of water-wise,
diverse, mixed-aged trees that are strategically
planted and well-maintained to promote a
sustainable urban forest that forms a thriving,
flourishing environment for all community
members to enjoy for generations to come.
x | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | xi
INTRODUCTION
URBAN FOREST
MANAGEMENT PLAN
xii | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
1 INTRODUCTION
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Healthy Trees,
Healthy Fresno
Environmental stressors impact the day-to-day
activities of communities across California’s
landscape. Extreme heat, drought, longer fire
seasons, increasing levels of air pollutants,
and severe flooding events expose community
members to a variety of climate and health
risks. Many of these existing and projected
environmental conditions are already impacting
Fresno. One effective mitigation strategy to
help alleviate these risks is to have a well-
managed sustainable urban forest. A functioning
urban forest provides multi-benefit solutions to
environmental issues that result in a healthier,
more resilient city (Exhibit 1-1).
2 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION | Healthy Trees, Healthy Fresno
Exhibit 1-1. The Benefits of Trees
CLEANER AIR
Trees absorb pollutants and filter
particulates out of the air by trapping
them on their leaves and bark.
CONNECTING
WITH NEIGHBORS
Trees can encourage civic pride
while tree plantings provide
opportunities for community
involvement.
SHADE
Trees cool cities by up to 10˚F
and shaded areas can be 20-40˚F
cooler than peak temperatures.
SAVING ENERGY
Shade trees can lower air-conditioning costs
56% annually, burning fewer fossil fuels.
BEAUTY
Trees add character to city streets and
residential areas as they radiate with
colors, flowers, textures, and shapes.
FRESH FOOD
Trees provide food in the
form of fruits, nuts, leaves,
bark, and roots.
WILDLIFE HABITAT
Trees support the lives of many wildlife
and insect species and provide them
with food, shelter, and nesting sites.
HEALTHIER
COMMUNITIES
Trees improve mental
health and public health by
decreasing respiratory illnesses
and encouraging outdoor
recreation.
HEALTH
BENEFITS of TREES in an URBAN ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL/INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES
City History | INTRODUCTION
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 3
CENTRAL PACIFIC
RAILROAD
Fresno station was
established by the Central
Pacific Railroad in 1872.
(City of Fresno 2014).
1.2 City History
Fresno was founded in 1872 on “barren
sand plains” (City of Fresno 2023), when
the Fresno station was established by the
Central Pacific Railroad (City of Fresno
2014). The introduction of irrigation in the
1880s allowed the area to develop as an
agricultural community.
The City was incorporated in 1885 with a
population of approximately 4,000 (City of
Fresno 2014), which quickly grew to over
10,000 by 1890 (City of Fresno 2023.).
By the early 1900s, 50 miles of streetcar
track and a bustling downtown area was
developed (City of Fresno 2023.). Mid-rise
buildings were constructed from 1915 to
1925, followed by another construction
wave in the 1960s (City of Fresno 2014).
Connecting population centers throughout
California continued to be a priority as
the California Department of Highways
called for the construction of several State
routes in 1957. These highways allowed
the City to expand away from city centers
to develop single family homes and
residential neighborhoods (City of Fresno
2014). This economic and population boom
resulted in major development during
the 20th century establishing Fresno as a
destination where land was affordable, and
families found opportunity to thrive. Fresno
currently occupies 113 square miles with
the surrounding area mostly used for rural
residences and agriculture (City of Fresno
2014). The City is the most populated
city in the Central Valley, and fifth largest
in California, with a 2022 population
of 545,567 (U.S. Census 2023). The
population is projected to grow to 656,323
by 2035 (City of Fresno 2017).
Irrigation
In the early 1900s, Fresno benefited from
a high-water table (30 feet below ground)
when the population was around 12,470.
These levels allowed easy water access
for the population, trees, and agriculture
to flourish. By 1960, Fresno’s population
grew to 45,879, and annually extracted 16.4
billion gallons of water from their aquifer
(City of Fresno 2023). Fresno residents were
charged a flat rate for their potable water
AGRICULTURE
& WATER
The introduction of irrigation
in the 1880s allowed the area
to develop as an agricultural
community. (Fresno Irrigation
District 2024)
4 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
use, regardless of usage amounts. The increase in population, further development of Fresno, and its growing irrigation network sparked concerns of Fresno’s water usage sustainability. In 1996, Fresno adopted the Fresno Metropolitan Water Resource Plan to address concerns of growth and correct historic groundwater over drafting. A decade later, the City Council authorized a Utility Rate Commission to study the potential necessity to increase utility rates. In total, Fresno’s water table decreased from 30 feet below grade in 1945 to 130 feet below grade in 2010. The research supported the installation of residential water meters in 2010 to assist in curbing water usage and to comply with federal requirements. Exhibit 1-2 visualizes the depletion of the Fresno’s water table.
URBAN
DEVELOPMENT
The City was incorporated
in 1885 with a population of
approximately 4,000 (City of
Fresno 2014), which quickly
grew to over 10,000 by 1890
(City of Fresno 2023a). By
the early 1900s, 50 miles of
streetcar track and a bustling
downtown area was developed
(City of Fresno 2023a).
Exhibit 1-2. Fresno’s Historical Water Levels
Source: City of Fresno 2023b.
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 5
City History | INTRODUCTION
4 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
Before 2010 and the installation of water
meters, Fresno residents used approximately
290 gallons of water per person per day
(Khokha 2009). By comparison, Las Vegas
used approximately 250 gallons, and the
U.S. average was 100 gallons per person per
day (Khokha 2009). Since the introduction of
meters, Fresno residents’ water usage has
declined by 17%. Though beneficial for curbing
water usage, this effort has resulted in a
negative impact on the urban green landscape.
Residents now are not meeting the watering
needs of their plants and trees, and as a result,
a decline in the overall number of trees and
the heath of the urban forest. Many residents
believe that watering their trees is too costly,
and that Fresno’s high-water table allows trees
to access water below ground. However, water
absorbing roots of a tree are in the upper 6-12
inches of soil. Additionally, many residents
are unaware that the average cost to properly
water each newly planted tree is less than $2
per year (Exhibit 1-3). As trees mature and
establish into landscape, the watering needs of
trees decrease.
Exhibit 1-3. Annual Cost to Water a New Tree in Fresno
6 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION | Overview of Fresno’s Tree Inventory
1.3 Overview of Fresno’s
Tree Inventory
The City’s most recent inventory of City-managed
(public) tree sites was collected in 2021 and includes
street trees, park trees, and identified plantable vacant sites (Table 1-1). The inventory includes 131,732 trees, 29,086 vacant sites, and 276 stumps (City of Fresno
2021). Table 1-2 details the annual amount of carbon
sequestered, stormwater diverted, and air pollution
removed, and the associated estimated annual
economic benefit values of the City’s managed trees.
Table 1-1. Fresno’s City-Managed Tree Inventory Locations Location Tre e Stump V acant Site To t a l
Street 91,954 239 28,855 121,048
Buffer 14,862 0 0 14,862
Median 8,384 23 105 8,512
Park 16,347 13 126 16,486
Parking Lot 185 1 0 186
Grand T otal 131,732 276 29,086 161,094
Sources: Fresno Tree Inventory
Table 1-2. Annual Environmental Services and Benefits Provided by City-Managed Tree Inventory Service
Annual
Environmental
Service Quantity
Annual
Environmental
Impact
Annual
Economic
Benefit
V alue
Carbon Sequestration
(carbon dioxide removed from air by trees) 2,085 tons
The carbon removed from the City’s air by the
urban forest is equivalent to annual carbon
emissions from 1,500 cars
$356,000
Avoided Runoff 20,893,090 gallons This benefit is equivalent to the average annual water usage of 191 American homes. $187,000
Air Pollution Removal
(ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon
monoxide, particulate matter <2.5 µm)
79.49 tons
The pollution removed by the City’s tree
inventory is equivalent to the annual nitrogen
dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide
emissions from 9,611 cars
$783,000
Sources: Fresno Tree Inventory i-tree Analysis
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 7
Overview of Fresno’s Tree Inventory | INTRODUCTION
The financial value of Fresno’s tree inventory
is presented in Table 1-3. Each tree in Fresno’s
inventory has an average City asset value of $4,798.
The functional value represents the annual value of
the environmental services that the trees provide
($10.07 per year). Each tree delivers approximately
$82.42 in ecosystem services based on the
combined functional and carbon storage values
each year. This value is lower than the California
average of $110.63 (McPherson et al. 2016),
which is likely due, in large part, to the age of the
inventoried trees, with nearly 81% classified as either immature or young (see Section 4.2.3, Diameter
at Standard Height Distribution Summary). The
quantity of environmental benefits trees provide will
increase as they age. The City can expect that, with
proper maintenance and care of its inventory, the
environmental benefits and services will continue to
increase as the trees mature.
Table 1-3. Financial Value of City-Managed Trees
V alue Description Asset Amount Per- T ree
V alue
Carbon Storage (55,860 tons) Amount of Carbon held in trees $9,530,000 $72.35 Structural T ree replacement cost $632,000,000 $4,798
Functional Value based on the services trees perform $1,326,000 $10.07 Sources: City of Fresno 2021; i-Tree 2023.
8 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
2 CHALLENGES FACING
THE URBAN FOREST
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 9
CHALLENGES FACING THE URBAN FOREST
A
series of City staff interviews revealed several internal challenges regarding Fresno’s urban forest management program,
including shortage of staff and high turnover rates, backlog of maintenance requests, and severe lack of funding. A resilient urban forest that is well-managed and maintained can provide multi-benefit solutions to alleviate these issues that result in a higher quality of life for all community members in Fresno. Fresno’s trees face further challenges from irrigation needs, climate factors, years of deferred maintenance, and new development codes that do not accommodate trees, resulting in significant tree care issues that need to be addressed in the implementation of this UFMP.
Climate Factors
If trends continue, by 2099, the annual average air temperature of Fresno County is projected to increase by 4.3-7.4 ⁰F) (Maizlish et al. 2017). Those living within the City, or the suburbs will experience higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect where hardscape such as roads, buildings, and parking lots absorbing heat throughout the day and slowly releasing heat at night (Exhibit 2-1). Furthermore, a combination of high heat and drought create stressful environments for trees to survive.
Trees that experience both drought conditions and high heat events experience stress, decreasing their potential to recover from high heat events and decreasing their ability to defend against pest or disease, leading to tree mortality (Allen et al. 201O). The selection of drought- and heat-resistant trees species plays a significant role in creating a sustainable urban forest capable of withstanding and mitigating the effects of climate change.
10 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHALLENGES FACING THE URBAN FOREST
Exhibit 2-1. Urban Heat Island Effect
HOW TREES HELP REDUCE THE URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT
CHALLENGES FACING THE URBAN FOREST
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 11
CHALLENGES FACING THE URBAN FOREST
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 13
CHALLENGES FACING THE URBAN FOREST
Deferred Maintenance
In the early 2000s, Public Works had sufficient funding and staffing to perform tree maintenance of City-managed trees. During the recession of FY11, significant funding cuts eliminated the ability to hire contractors to maintain the previous twelve-year tree trimming cycle of maintenance on City trees. Between FY11 and FY21, $0 in funding was allocated for proactive tree maintenance. As a result, the City’s trees currently suffer from years of deferred maintenance. Fresno injected $2.8M to reach a 10 year tree maintenance cycle in both FY22 and FY 23.
However, despite the new funding, contractors are not able to perform all required tree maintenance. Additionally, there is more than one year’s worth of backlog of tree related maintenance requests submitted by the public.
The City Has Never Had an Urban forest Management Plan
An Urban Forest Management Plan is a roadmap that provides the framework to track and effectively manage the urban forest over the long term. While Fresno has managed its urban forest for many years, it has never had an urban forest management plan to establish targets and goals that mobilize the City toward a shared vision for the future state of the urban forest.
Existing Planning Documents and Relation to Trees
The City of Fresno has robust city planning guidelines and a tree code that is in line with existing best management practices. Existing city plans include opportunities to integrate trees through planning efforts, policies, and municipal codes, supporting urban forestry and canopy cover goals of the UFMP.
CHALLENGES FACING THE URBAN FOREST
2.1 Acknowledging Fresno’s Urban Forest Needs
Climate Ready Tree Species
Tree species selected for planting need to thrive in the predicted future climate of the area. Impending climate change predicts that drought conditions and high heat events will be more frequent and more severe, both which impact tree longevity. When selecting tree species to plant, consideration of climate ready species will further the resilience of newly planted trees for the future urban forest (McBride and Lacan 2018). 14 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
Right Tree Right Place
When planting a new tree, one of the most important
considerations is the concept of “right tree, right place.” Trees in the urban environment are often planted without consideration of the mature stature of the tree outgrowing their planting site, and causing infrastructure conflicts, or without considerations for irrigation needs. Planting trees with mature stature in mind enables trees to age to maturity. Locations with elevated noise or air pollution, such as neighborhoods next to industrial districts or train tracks should consider planting more evergreen trees to filter noise and pollution year-round. Locations that experience heavier rainfall can create larger planters or bioswales which house larger trees which aid in stormwater mitigation. Keeping the intended use and the ‘right tree, right place’ concept in mind while planning for tree planting will benefit the City for decades to come, by increasing longevity of street trees and decreasing infrastructure conflicts and unnecessary mature tree removal.
Adequate Staffing
The key to keeping trees maintained, reducing the risk of limb failure, and increasing their lifespan is having a robust and proactive maintenance program. Educated and trained staff are required to implement and ensure that proper
maintenance is being conducted and monitor contracted
work for quality throughout the maintenance program.
Fresno’s urban forestry program is currently significantly understaffed. Section 4.3.4, Staffing and Contractors,
highlights the recommendations to grow Fresno’s urban
forestry staff to match the industry’s best management
practices and the increased canopy cover goal of Fresno.
Strategic Tree Planting
With the City’s 1,000 tree initiative and goal of providing canopy cover to historically underserved communities,
having a strategic management plan on where to plant
these trees is needed. Targeting neighborhoods that have the least canopy cover and have limited access to urban green spaces will be a key metric to ensure that the canopy of Fresno is equally distributed to communities that already have a low canopy percentage.
Irrigation
Community engagement highlighted the desire for the City to provide irrigation for street trees located in City’s right-of- way. Watering a newly planted tree one time per week for three years at 15 gallons, costs an average of under $2 per year. The City will need to invest in community education programs to convey the tree watering needs for adjacent property owners.
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 15
CHALLENGES FACING THE URBAN FOREST
16 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
3 DEVELOPING THE
FRESNO URBAN FOREST
MANAGEMENT PLAN
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 17
DEVELOPING THE FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
I
n FY 2020, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) awarded the City of Fresno grant funding from Proposition 68 to complete an Urban Forest Management Plan and plant 68 trees in disadvantaged community areas. By March 2023, Public Works planted 15 trees above the required amount for a total of 83 trees. The City’s Public Works Department, Landscape Division is the main entity responsible for overseeing the UFMP’s development and implementation.
The Department provided key insights into City practices, coordinated with internal and external interested parties, and participated in community engagement events.
3.1 Tree Inventory Analysis
An inventory of all City-managed trees was conducted in 2021, including 131,732 trees, 29,086 vacant sites, and 276 stumps. The inventory is housed in an asset management software, which is also used to record maintenance activities. The inventory data was used to analyze the City- managed trees based on sustainability metrics and to estimate the environmental services and economic benefits provided by these public trees. The sustainability metrics analyzed include species diversity, age distribution based on diameter at standard height, water use rating, and climate preparedness. These metrics determine the condition of the City-managed urban forest and help identify what management practices will need to be improved to have the most meaningful impact on tree health and safety.
The inventory analysis used the i-Tree Eco software developed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS 2020) to model the environmental services and economic benefits of the inventoried trees. These include annual carbon sequestration ($356,000 annually), diverted runoff ($187,000 annually), pollution removal ($783,000 annually), total carbon storage ($9.53 million), and functional ($1.33 Million) and structural dollar values ($632 Million). Dollar amounts are equated to the environmental services and are useful for public education, City planning, and exploring long-term funding mechanisms.
18 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
3.2 Canopy Cover Assessment
A current City-wide canopy cover assessment was conducted for Fresno using 2022 aerial imagery (Section 2.1.1 City Wide Canopy Cover). A canopy change analysis was conducted comparing the 2022 results to a 2018 canopy cover analysis. The results of this analysis revealed that the City has an existing canopy of 14.6%, and the City’s canopy cover increased by 0.7% from 2018 to 2022.
3.3 Analysis of Current Plans,
Policies, and Ordinances
A comprehensive review of the status of Fresno’s urban forestry program provides a baseline for understanding the effectiveness of City tree management. This review included extensive analyses of urban forest policies, funding mechanisms, tree management practices, ordinances, and procedures.
Long-range planning documents related to the urban forest were identified by the City and reviewed as part of the UFMP, including the General Plan (City of Fresno 2014), Southwestern Fresno Specific Plan (City of Fresno 2017a), Parks Master Plan (City of Fresno 2017b), Fresno Housing Element, and Specification and Standard Details. Understanding the existing conditions provided a baseline to compare current actions against best management practices (BMPs) and goals, and to identify areas for improvement to ensure the City meets the standards of sustainable urban forest management. The results of the analysis are included in the UFMP Technical Assessment, and incorporated into the Strategic Plan.
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3.4 Department Interviews
The internal review of the Fresno urban forestry program was conducted through a series of interviews with 15 City staff, and other involved parties. Each was asked how their role affects tree management, tree planting, protection, internal City procedures, and maintenance efforts. The list of City staff who participated in the interview process are identified in Table 3-1.
The following is a sample of some of the questions explored during these interviews:
How do you envision the Fresno urban forest in
the next 30 years?
Do you have suggestions/thoughts for
improving your department’s role regarding tree
management?
Are existing policies considered appropriate for
efficient tree management?
Are there specific locations that need to be
prioritized for tree planting?
What are the biggest challenges facing the
expansion of the urban forest?
The interviews highlighted reoccurring themes of the urban forest program and areas of greatest needs and concerns.
Table 3-1. List of Interviews
Department Staff
City Departments
Public Works
Assistant Director
Community Coordinator
Forestry Supervisor
GIS Specialist
Landscape Manager
Office of the City Manger Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Office of the Mayor Deputy Mayor
Parks, After School, Recreation,
and Community Services
Parks Director
Parks Supervisor II
Personnel Services Senior Risk Analyst
Planning Supervising Planner
External Involved Parties
CAL FIRE CAL FIRE Project Liaison
T ree Fresno CEO
West Coast Arborist Vice President
3.5 Community Engagement
Meaningful community engagement is essential to developing a UFMP that reflects the goals, needs, and priorities of the City’s community members.
During the UFMP development process, the City and the consultant team conducted community engagement activities to better understand the views community members hold about trees in Fresno and how these perceptions affect the City’s urban forest. Below is a summary of the City’s outreach efforts. Public tree survey was circulated via social media and community meetings for 16 weeks in English, Hmong, Punjabi, and Spanish (1,352 responses).
Urban Forest Summit events at two City-wide clean up events (in collaboration with Beautify Fresno), attended by more than 1,000 community members with educational materials and resources about the City’s tree inventory.
Online outreach through the City’s social media channels and networks (Website, E-newsletter, NextDoor, Instagram, Facebook). Local outreach to community-based organizations and establishments such as University of California Master Gardeners and Tree Fresno. Four Working Group meetings with City staff from seven City departments along with representatives from Tree Fresno, San Joaquin River Conservancy, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and PG&E. Four virtual public meetings.
Approximately 30 presentations at community meetings targeting the City’s Spanish, Hmong, and Punjabi speaking populations. 20 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
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3.5.1 Public Meetings
During June 2023, the consultant team hosted four virtual public meetings via Zoom.
Participants were asked to respond to three questions and provide comments surrounding their opinions on Fresno’s urban forest. When asked if they felt like they had proper resources to provide care for private property trees, participants noted that they would benefit from more accessible maintenance and watering information, more educational materials on how to plant trees, and financing programs to help incentivize proper tree maintenance. When asked how more trees can get planted on private property, participants listed opportunity in park strips along corner lots, allowing the planting of fruit trees, providing informational guides on what species of trees are allowed in different planting areas, adopting consistent pruning schedules, partnering with new development projects, and connecting arborists with community organizations. Finally, when asked what aspects of trees they want to learn more about, participants discussed not having adequate knowledge on how trees are managed in general and a need for education surrounding trees, their benefits, and how to properly care for the urban forest.
3.5.2 Outreach Events
The consultant team and City of Fresno representatives attended the City’s Great American Clean Up event on April 22, 2023, and the Mayor’s City-Wide Community Cleanup on August 5, 2023, to engage with local community members about trees. Graphic boards with various categories acted as a voting system for where more trees are needed and what benefits of trees are the most valued. Community members also were guided through a series of brainstorming activities that answered questions about improvements needed for the urban forest. Table 3-2 through Table 3-6 describe the activity results.
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98%
believe that trees
contribute to their
quality of life
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Table 3-2 shows the results of the “where do we need more trees” activity. Of the total responses at the first event, the top two categories were schools and transit stops. At the second event, the top two categories were schools and biking and walking paths. Responses to the activity are shown below and in Image 3-1.
Table 3-2. Results of “Where do we need more trees” Activity Where do we need more trees? Great American Clean Up
(April 22, 2023)
Mayor’s City-Wide Community Clean Up
(August 5, 2023)
Category No. of Responses Percentage No. of Responses Percentage Schools 22 16% 29 14%
T ransit Stops 18 13%
Parking Lots** 18 13% 3 1%
Biking and Walking Paths 17 13% 27 13%
Parks 17 13% 21 11%
Sidewalks 15 11% 18 9%
Apartment Communities 10 7% 21 11%
Retail/ Commercial Areas 9 7% 19 9%
Front and Back Yards 8 6% 19 9%
Streets* 22 12%
Medians* 20 10%
Open lots downtown* 1 0.5%
Canal* 1 0.5%
Total 134 100% 201 100%
*Option added by participants during August 5, 2023 event 24 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Table 3-3 describes the results of the second activity, which asked participants what they love most about trees. Of the total responses at the first and second event, the top two categories were shade and cleaner air.
Table 3-3. Results of “What do you love most about trees” Activity What do you love most about trees? Great American Clean Up (April 22, 2023)
Mayor’s City-Wide Community Clean Up
(August 5, 2023)
Category No. of
Responses Percentage No. of
Responses Percentage
Shade 38 24% 40 20%
Cleaner Air 37 23% 39 19%
Wildlife Habitat 22 13% 25 12%
Beauty 18 11% 19 9%
Food 17 11% 23 11%
Energy Savings 8 5% 18 9%
Healthier Communities 7 4% 16 8%
Rainwater Capture 7 4% 14 7%
Connecting with Neighbors 6 4% 8 4%
Smell good* 1 .05%
Total 160 100% 203 100%
Notes: *Option added by participants during 8/5/23 event CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 25
92%
view trees as more
important than or
equally as important as
other City-maintained
infrastructure
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Participants were also guided through a series of brainstorming questions to receive broad and creative feedback about the urban forest. Results from each event are included in Tables 3-4 and 3-5, and Exhibit 3-1.
Table 3-4. Results of Idea Generating Activity 1
How can we get
more trees planted
on private property?
Write words or draw a sketch of the ideal urban forest.
How can we
incorporate
trees in public
education?
• Encourage neighbors that don’t
have trees on their property
about the benefits of having
them
• More education about choosing
trees that don’t have obstructive
roots
• City to assist with funding for
maintenance or tree planting
• Tree giveaways and educate the
public about them
• Better communication from the
City about trees
• Educate people about the
benefits- shade, wildlife habitat,
fresh food source
• Plant local trees
• Limit fees for cutting trees
• Full of life
• Green scenery
• Green-lined walkways
• Lots of trees and fresh air
• Mental health benefits
• Mixture of fruit and shade trees
• Palm trees; they make the City
beautiful
• Fruit trees near apartment
complexes
• Incentives to water parkway trees
• Secco art
• Flowers, colors, tall
• I picture there are lots of green
trees and green grass with more
animals, flowers, and bushes
• Lots of trees, lots of space to walk
and play, wildlife and people together
• I wish trees lined our streets making
everywhere look as if we live in a
forest. Vines, leaves, and green
gardens giving off tranquility and
refreshing feelings.
• Fruit trees and bird-friendly
• I want Fresno to be green, too many
people with breathing illnesses
• Bigger planter areas along the streets
• A scenery that mother nature
originally intended
• Maintained, pruned, and watered
• Fresh air and shade
• Community center
treehouse
• Make trees fun to
learn about
• Teach students and
staff the benefits of
having trees
• More trees around
Olmos Elementary so
kids can breathe fresh
air
• Make it mandatory
teach about native
trees
• Put it in the
curriculum
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Exhibit 3-1. Idea Generating Activity Board 1
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Table 3-5. Results of Idea Generating Activity 2
What role should the City play in
protecting the urban forest?
How can we help
preserve, maintain,
and protect trees in
Fresno?
How can we plant
more trees on
non-City-owned
property?
If you have trees
on your private
• Tree dedication for victims of domestic
violence
• Cutting old trees
• Intersection of trees + homelessness
• Free tree program
• Removing dead trees
• Plant more shade trees**
• Tree canopy + clearance
• Forestry background and master tree
planting list
• Plant fruit trees*
• More education about what trees to
plant*
• How to properly water trees
• Proper planting so roots don’t destroy
the sidewalk
• Promoting the planting of native trees
• Maintenance and re-planting
• City-endorsed programs + incentives
• Plant fruit trees
• Watering
• Proper pruning
• Make sure they are
watered
• Trim the trees, it will
lift them*
• Hire people to take
care of them
• Be aware of the
importance of trees
• Drip system install*
• Plant trees in ways
that don’t change
pipes, roads,
sidewalks in long-
term
• Training arborist
companies
• Native trees
• Donate more to Tree
Fresno
• Tax incentives +
rebates**
• Trees in
Kindergarten
curriculum
• On sidewalk
because City owns
that
• L2G advertisements
• Talk to owners
• Normalize collecting
seeds
• Make locations
available
• Promoting the
option for free
trees & help with
maintenance
• Community
partnership
• TLC
• Watering and talking to them
more often
• Prune trees as needed
• Topping, clearing dead debris,
water
• Pruning
• Watering + good sun + keep
from animals
• Watering + trimming- educating
ourselves on the types of trees
we have*
• Gardener + watering regularly
• Prune, drip system, mulch
• Arborist job availability
• Friends, family, homeless
incentive
• Clean up, homeless, trash
quicker
Note:* Vote added by other participants during event
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3.5.3 Survey
Results
An online survey was
created to identify the
public’s perception and
understanding of the City’s
trees, and to offer a space
for public feedback as the
City develops its UFMP.
The 24-question survey
was open between March
1, 2023, and June 16,
2023, and was distributed
through various City social
media outlets, outreach
events, neighborhood
association meetings and
communications sent
by City staff. The public
survey was offered in
English, Spanish, Hmong,
and Punjabi. In total, 1,357
responses were received.
A summary of themes is
included in Table 3-6.
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Table 3-6. Summary of Fresno Tree Survey Responses
T opic Responses
Views of trees as a
City asset
• 98% believe that trees contribute to their quality of life • 92% view trees as more important than or equally as important as other City-maintained infrastructure • T op three most important benefits of trees: shade, cleaning the air, and creating more aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods
Public participation
• T op concerns of respondents to growing trees on their property were damage to infrastructure and the cost to trim trees
• T o assist the City with reaching its canopy cover goals, 25% respondents willing volunteer at a community tree planting and 23% would plant a tree on their private property • 33% believe providing financial support to trim trees, and 34% want labor support for planting and maintenance, would best help them plant and care for trees in their own yard T rees in public spaces
• 64% believe trees in public spaces are in fair or poor condition • An even split (12%–13%) want more trees planted across all mentioned locations (sidewalks, biking/walking paths, and parks)
Opinions on
tree protection
ordinances
• 77% were in support or neutral of a tree protection ordinance that protects trees on private property in the same way it protects trees on public property
Goals of the Urban
Forest Management
Plan
• Increase number of trees planted annually
• Removing dead, dying, or hazardous trees
• Ensure Fresno’s trees will survive in high heat and drought conditions 32 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
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3.5.4 Working Group
The City’s UFMP Working Group was formed to bring together City staff, individuals from the environmental field, and community advocates to help advise the UFMP’s development. A list of Working Group members is provided in Table 3-7. Four Working Group meetings were held between August 2022 and February 2024, and each meeting was facilitated by the consultant team.
Table 3-7. Fresno Urban Forest Management Plan Working Group Members Name Affiliation
Aaron Aguirre City of Fresno, Parks After School, Recreation and Community Services, Director Heidi Briggs City of Fresno, Personnel Department, Principal Labor Relations Risk Analyst Bret Conner City of Fresno, Public Works Department, Street Maintenance Manager Wendy Cornelius City Of Fresno, Department of Public Utilities, Water Conservation Supervisor Matthew Grundy City of Fresno, Office of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor Pastor Booker Lewis City of Fresno, Community Liaison
Brendan Mills City of Fresno, Parks After School, Recreation and Community Services, Parks Supervisor II Robin O’Malley City of Fresno, General Services Department, Facilities Manager Vincent Patlan City of Fresno, Public Works Department, Landscape Manager Erika Pelayo-Lopez City of Fresno, Public Works Department, Community Coordinator Phillip Siegrist City of Fresno, Planning and Development Department, Planning Manager Dan T urner City of Fresno, Public Works Department, Forestry Supervisor I Mona Cummings CEO, T ree Fresno
Patrick Denney PG&E Vegetation Management, VOI Supervisor Sarah Parkes San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation T rust, Assistant Director See Thao San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, Air Quality Specialist I
3.6 The City’s tree inventory can be
better prepared for threats from
pests, diseases, and climate change.
The City’s current street tree palette has resulted in
an overrepresentation of species in the inventory.
Many of these species are simultaneously not
prepared for the impacts of climate change, and
susceptible to invasive pests and pathogens. The
City can better prepare for these expected changes
by selecting and planting species that are predicted
to perform well in future climate conditions, thereby
increasing species diversity in the City. This UFMP
includes a recommended species palette to
implement upon adoption (see Section 4.3.2).
Key Findings
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Installation and repair of irrigation
systems throughout the City are
essential for new trees to survive.
The City has recognized the need to increase canopy cover in the City by adopting the 1,000 Tree Resolution in April 2022. Fresno’s current and predicted future climate make it difficult for new trees to survive without dedicated irrigation.
Simultaneously, Public Works has one watering truck to use to water City trees. While Fresno relies on adjacent property owners to water parkway trees, which covers a large
portion of Fresno, the amount of watering trucks to cover areas without irrigation or no adjacent property owner is inefficient and not feasible to depend on for the remaining City-managed tree inventory. Furthermore, areas of the City without established irrigation are less likely to receive new trees, due to lack of water available for survival. The City will need to allocate additional funding to improve or establish irrigation to ensure trees can thrive in all areas of the City.
The City’s canopy cover
is not equitably distributed.
The UFMP’s canopy cover assessment revealed that
Fresno currently has an 14.6% canopy cover. However,
spatial analysis of the canopy cover throughout the City showed that it is not equally distributed. Within the analysis area, canopy cover by census tracts range from 4.9% to
35.5%. Areas with higher pollution burden and vulnerability have lower tree canopy cover and proportionally more
low-income and marginalized community members. The
City will need to examine the reasons canopy is lower in these areas, strengthen its tree planting and preservation strategies, and ensure focus is put on low canopied
areas first to increase the overall canopy cover equitably throughout the City.
Community members value trees as a
vibrant resource.
Open discussions with City staff and community members
show that the Fresno community believes trees are a
valuable City asset. Community members expressed the
desire and need for more trees and public education
about the benefits of the urban forest. Overall, community members would like to become more involved in the
City’s efforts to increase tree canopy. Investments in the Urban Forest program will need to occur for City staff
to create a balance of allocated resources toward a
sustainable maintenance and tree planting program, and
to update community outreach and education campaigns.
Key Findings
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The City’s long-range planning efforts
should prioritize the urban forest.
Updates are needed to the City’s long-range planning
efforts and municipal code efforts, as there is currently some inconsistency regarding planning for trees. As the overall blueprint for the City, updating the General Plan to prioritize trees will help to achieve the goals of this UFMP.
Policies and ordinances that protect
trees on private property should be
enhanced.
The City’s Municipal Code protects street trees and other trees grown on City-managed property. However, the
chapter could be significantly strengthened to improve
tree protection policies during construction, to identify stricter penalties for violation of the ordinance, and to add specificity for the types of trees that are protected.
Additionally, other sections in the municipal code
specifically exempt protection of trees on single family home lots. The City should consider its tree protection policies and partner with community members to secure
irrigation, plant, and protect more trees, to meet canopy cover goals.
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INTRODUCTION
4 FRESNO’S URBAN
FOREST PROGRAM
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4.1 Urban Forest
Sustainability
T
his section covers the current status of Fresno’s
urban forest and analyzes canopy cover, tree equity,
tree species sustainability indicators, and the costs
and funding required to meet best management practices.
Benchmarks are measured against best management
practices of the International Society of Arboriculture, American Forests, and industry standards to progress
towards sustainable urban forest management.
4.1.1 Citywide Canopy Cover
Canopy cover refers to the layer of leaves, branches,
and stems that provide tree coverage of the ground
when viewed from above. Tree canopy cover can have
a positive impact on communities as it provides many
environmental benefits and services. A City-wide canopy cover assessment was conducted for Fresno using
satellite imagery and spatial analysis. The results of the canopy cover analysis are shown in Exhibit 4-1, Land Use Classification, and Exhibit 4-2, Map of Tree Canopy Cover in Fresno. The canopy cover analysis revealed that Fresno has an existing canopy cover of approximately 14.6%.
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*Where 2022 imagery was not usable, 2020 imagery was used to create the canopy cover product Exhibit 4-1. Land Use Classification
CITY-
WIDE
CANOPY
COVER
14.6%
City of Fresno Land Use
2022 CANOPY COVER BY LAND USE TYPE
15.4%
1.3%
10.1%
4.7%
15.9%
5.8%
3.3%
18.8%
5.0%
11.9%
18.6%
23.3%
24.0%
10.3%
5.7%
Airport
Municipal/government facilities
Industrial
Open space/park − low canopy use
Transportation
Mixed use
Commercial
School
Parking
Agriculture/future development
Institution/community center/public service
Residential high density
Open space/park − high canopy use
Residential low density
Residential medium density
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
Tree Canopy Cover Percent
Land Use Type
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CITY OF
FRESNO
CANOPY
COVER
2022
Source: City of Fresno, 2021. * Where 2022 imagery was not usable, 2020 imagery was used to create the canopy cover product.
Exhibit 4-2. Map of Tree Canopy Cover in Fresno
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4.1.2 Increasing Canopy Cover
The potential canopy cover that can be achieved in
any city is based on historical and existing conditions.
A variety of factors influence canopy cover, such as
development demands, land use patterns, historical
canopy cover, and growing conditions. Recommended
canopy cover for an urban forest that was traditionally forested land is 40-60%, while 20% for grassland and 15% in desert cities are a realistic goal (Leahy, 2017). Fresno’s aspirational canopy cover goal was determined through
analysis of the current canopy cover (14.6%), identifying the potential growth of the canopy, and the amount of
space available for planting.
Fresno already has a goal of planting 1,000 new trees per year throughout the City. Taking the 1,000-tree initiative one step further, Dudek analyzed the number of trees
that should be planted per year to reach a 20% canopy
cover goal and accounted for estimated mortality of newly planted trees (5%) and mature trees (2%), to generate a planting target. If the existing canopy were to remain static (no tree mortality), roughly 80,000 new trees would need to be planted to meet a 20% canopy goal. This equates
to planting approximately 4,600 trees per year over the 40 year timeframe. The method for how this number was
calculated is presented in Table 4-1.
ASPIRATIONAL
GOAL FOR FRESNO:
20%
canopy cover Citywide
to be achieved over
the next 40 years
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Table 4-1. Annual Tree Planting to Reach 20% Canopy Cover Calculation Method Metric V alue How it was calculated
Number of trees to plant to Grow
Canopy 2,004
(Number of trees to plant
over 40 years to reach
20% canopy cover (80, 196)
* mortality rate of newly
planted trees) / 40 years
Estimated number of young trees
to plant to replace dead mature
trees
2,635
The mature tree mortality
rate (2%) multiplied by the
total tree inventory (131,725).
T otal number of trees to be
planted. 4,639
The mature tree mortality
rate (2%) multiplied by the
total tree inventory (131,725).
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4.1.3 Planting
Scenarios to
Increase Canopy
Cover
Exhibit 4-3 shows the total number
of trees of different statures that
would need to be planted to reach
a canopy cover of 20%, 25%, or
30% city-wide. For this analysis the
ratio of tree statures is based on the
ratio of all planting spaces currently
included in the City-managed
inventory. To meet a 20% canopy
cover goal, a total of 80,196 trees
(17,011 trees with 20-foot spread,
26,732 trees with 35-foot spread,
2,430 with 50-foot spread, and
34,023 with 75-foot spread) will need
to be planted on private or public
properties within the City.
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Exhibit 4-3. Total Number of Trees Needed to Increase Canopy Cover Above 14.6% Sources: USDA 2020; City of Fresno 2021 Tree Inventory
City of Fresno − Canopy Increase Analysis
TOTAL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE TREES NEEDED TO MEET CANOPY GOALS 25%
30%
0 25,000 50,000 75,000 100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000 200,000 225,000 20' 35' 50' 75'Tree Stature
(canopy width)
Total Trees to Plant
Canopy Cover Goal
Totals include an assumed 5% mortality rate.
17,011 26,732
2,430
34,023
32,684 51,362
4,668
65,370
48,358 75,992 96,717
6,908
20% SELECTED
PLAN
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Exhibit 4-4 shows the total number
of trees needed to be planted
annually to reach a canopy cover
of 20%, 25%, or 30% city-wide.
An estimated total of 4,639 newly
planted trees per year are needed
to reach a canopy cover goal of
20% within 40 years.
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Exhibit 4-4. Annual Public and Private Tree Planting Over 40 Y ears needed to Meet Canopy Goals Sources: USDA 2020; City of Fresno 2021 Tree Inventory
City of Fresno − Canopy Increase Analysis
ANNUAL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE TREE PLANTING
OVER 40 YEARS TO MEET CANOPY GOALS
25%
30% 5,699
3,852
2,005
2,000 4,0000
Totals include an assumed 5% mortality rate.
Note: These numbers do not calculate current tree mortality, only newly planted trees.
Total Trees to Plant Annually
Canopy Cover Goal20% SELECTED
PLAN
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50’
40’
Less Shade
More Shade
Most Shade
30’
20’
10’
10’ Wide8’ Wide5’ Wide
Large Tree
50’+
Parkway widths determine tree size and species that can be planted Shade and cooling properties
vary based on tree size and species
Sun is at its strongest
Small Tree
20’-35’
Medium Tree
35’-50’
10 AM 2 PM
Exhibit 4-5. Right Tree, Right Place
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It is important to note that if more
large stature trees are planted
then fewer trees will need to be
planted overall and vice versa.
Tree planting efforts for both public
and private properties should
therefore encourage planting large
stature trees whenever possible.
See Exhibit 4-5 for a visual
representation.
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4.1.4 Tree Equity
Canopy cover, heat severity, pollution burden, and
other environmental factors are often distributed
inequitably throughout a city. Studies have shown
that due to identifiable systemic injustices and
socioeconomic factors, inequitable canopy cover
and pollution vulnerability disproportionately
affects low-income and marginalized communities
(Locke et al. 2020). When addressing this issue of
inequity, it is important to consider and understand
the ways in which parts of the city differ in terms of
population, land use, current canopy cover, existing
planting spaces, and other environmental factors.
This section uses census tracts to examine equity
issues pertaining to canopy cover and pollution
burden in Fresno.
The canopy and equity analyses conducted for this
UFMP revealed the following key findings. For more
information and context, including methodology and
full analysis, see the Technical Assessment. Since
2022, Public Works has already begun addressing
the equity issues identified in this section. In FY
2022, 740 trees were planted in City Council
Districts 3 and 4, and 1,156 trees were planted in the
same districts in FY 2023.
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 51
FRESNO’S URBAN FOREST PROGRAM50 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN Canopy cover for census tracts within the analysis area ranges from 1% to 23.3%, as shown in Exhibit 4-6.
CITY OF FRESNO
CANOPY
COVER
BY CENSUS
TRACT
City of Fresno 2018 Canopy Cover
2018 Census Tract Canopy Cover
30% to 35%
25% to 30%
20% to 25%
15% to 20%
10% to 15%
5% to 10%
0% to 5%
Sources: USDA 2020
Exhibit 4-6. Map of Census Tracts within Canopy Analysis Area City of Fresno 2018 Canopy Cover
2018 Census Tract Canopy Cover
30% to 35%
25% to 30%
20% to 25%
15% to 20%
10% to 15%
5% to 10%
0% to 5%
52 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
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The California Environmental Protection
Agency’s CalEnviroScreen 4.0 (CES)
online tool identifies California
communities that are disproportionately
burdened by pollution and have a
higher vulnerability to the health
effects of pollution (OEHHA 2018).
The tool uses indicators of exposure,
environmental effects, sensitive
population, and socioeconomic factors
to assess the cumulative impact of
pollution burden, health conditions, and
socioeconomic stressors on California
communities. CES does not include
canopy cover as an environmental
effects indicator. CES is a relative
comparison of California pollution
burden and vulnerability, with CES
scores in the 1st–10th deciles indicating
the least burdened and vulnerable
communities and CES scores in the
90th–100th decile indicate the most
vulnerable and burdened communities
(OEHHA 2021). The City’s census tracts
range from a low CES of 3 to a high
CES of 100 (see Exhibit 4-7)
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Source: CalEnviroScreen 4.0 (OEHHA 2021).
Exhibit 4-7. Map of Fresno CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Scores
City of Fresno
Census Tracts
CALENVIRO
-SCREEN 4.0
PERCENTILES 90 to100
CES
RANGE
INDICATES
THE MOST
VULNERABLE
AND BURDENED
COMMUNITIES
City of Fresno − Census Tracts
CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Percentiles
CES Range
90 to 100
80 to 90
70 to 80
60 to 70
50 to 60
40 to 50
30 to 40
20 to 30
10 to 20
0 to 10
Analysis area
City of Fresno − Census Tracts
CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Percentiles
CES Range
90 to 100
80 to 90
70 to 80
60 to 70
50 to 60
40 to 50
30 to 40
20 to 30
10 to 20
0 to 10
Analysis area
Exhibit 4-7 displays the tree canopy cover of census tracts based on their CES range. 54 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
FRESNO’S URBAN FOREST PROGRAM
4.1.5 Opportunity and
Priority Planting Areas
The Priority Planting Score, presented
in Exhibit 4-8, indicates where the
City should focus tree planting efforts
by census tract for a more equitably
distributed canopy cover. The study area
for developing the PPS was limited to
the canopy analysis study area, with the
exception of the census tract marked
as 'N/A' or 'Not Applicable'. This area
is California State University, Fresno-
owned property, where the City does
not have authority to execute planting
activities. A higher PPS indicates a
higher priority for focused tree planting
efforts. PPS considers current canopy
cover, distribution of land use type, total
recorded City-managed vacant planting
sites, pollution burden and equity, and
relative population and acreage (see
the UFMP Technical Assessment for
methodology details).
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Exhibit 4-8. Planting Priority Score by Fresno Census Tract and Council District Sources: USDA 2020; CalEnviroScreen 4.0 (OEHHA 2021).
City of Fresno
PRIORITY
PLANTING
ANALYSIS
City of Fresno − Priority Planting Analysis
Priority Planting Score
90 to 100
80 to 90
70 to 80
60 to 70
50 to 60
40 to 50
30 to 40
20 to 30
10 to 20
0 to 10
N/A
Council
District
Boundaries
Analysis
area
City of Fresno − Priority Planting Analysis
Priority Planting Score
90 to 100
80 to 90
70 to 80
60 to 70
50 to 60
40 to 50
30 to 40
20 to 30
10 to 20
0 to 10
N/A
Council
District
Boundaries
Analysis
area
Priority
Planting
Score
56 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
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4.2 Tree Inventory
Sustainability
The City’s most recent inventory of City-managed (public) tree sites was collected in 2021 and includes street and park trees and identified plantable vacant sites. The inventory includes 131,732 trees, 29,086 vacant sites, and 276 stumps.
For this analysis, vacant sites were considered plantable if they were labeled as a vacant site or stump in the inventory.
It is also important to note that the inventory is not an exhaustive list of all plantable vacant sites within the City.
Generally, when inventory data is collected, potential planting sites that would require concrete removal to create a new tree well or potential planting sites within open spaces and parks are not included.
4.2.1 Species Diversity Summary
The genus and species diversity of a tree inventory is an indicator of overall resilience to threats. Because biological diversity is often regarded as the basis for ecological stability (Tilman and Downing 1994), urban forests with uniform tree species are more susceptible from catastrophic loss when invasive pests and pathogens enter a landscape or when
significant weather events occur.
Historical best practices for species diversity standards in public tree inventories include a representation of no more than 10% of any one species, 20% of any one genus, or 30% of any one family (Miller and Miller 1991; Richards 1993; Santamour 1990).
With anticipated increased threats from invasive pests and pathogens, using a more stringent metric is critical in planning for a more resilient urban forest. For this analysis, limitations of 10% of any one genus and 5% of any one species are used to provide additional protection of the tree inventory (Ball et al. 2007).
The City-managed street tree inventory contains 131,732 individual trees, comprised of 158 genera and 369 species.
Additionally, 29,086 plantable vacant sites and 276 stumps were identified, making for a total of 161,094 current and potential tree sites. Exhibits 4-9 and 4-10 show the top 10 genera and species for the City-managed tree inventory. The top 10 genera make up 51% of the total street tree inventory, with nine genera within the 10% recommendation. Pistacia exceeds the recommended distribution percentage, representing 11.6% of the inventory. The top 10 species make up 43.5% of the inventory, and the top two species, Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis) and crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) exceed the 5% recommendation.
As the City continues to plan for street and park tree
removals and replacements, it should plant species outside of the genera and species that are overrepresented in the City-managed street and park tree inventories.
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TOP 10 Genera in the City Inventory
FRESNO’S URBAN FOREST PROGRAM | Top Ten Genera Genus Diversity Exhibits 4-9. Top 10 Genera in the City Inventory
1. Pistacia
2. Lagerstoemia
3. Quercus
4. Magnolia
5. Fraxinus
6. Platanus
7. Pinus
8. Pyrus
9. Celtis
10. Sequoia
11.6%
4.4%
8.1%
3.4%
6.4%
3.4%
4.5%
2.7%
4.5%
2.7%
Meets Goal Does Not Meet Goal
Sustainability Goal: No genus represents greater than 10% of Inventory Source: City of Fresno Tree Inventory (City of Fresno 2021). 58 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
TOP 10 Species in the City Inventory
FRESNO’S URBAN FOREST PROGRAM | Top Ten GeneraGenus Diversity Exhibits 4-10. Top 10 Species in the City Inventory
1. Chinese pistache
Pistacia chinensis
6. Coast redwood
Sequoia sempervirens
2. Crape myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
7. Chinese tallow tree
Triadica sebifera
3. Southern magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
8. Chinese elm
Ulmus parvifolia
4. London plane
Platanus x hispanica
9. Camphor tree
Cinnamomum camphora
5. Callery pear
Pyrus calleryana
10. Canary Island pine
Pinus canariensis
11.6%
2.7%
8.1%
2.4%
4.5%
2.4%
4.2%
2.3%
3.2%
2.1%
Meets Goal Does Not Meet Goal
Sustainability Goal: No species represents greater than 5% of Inventory Source: City of Fresno Tree Inventory (City of Fresno 2021).
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4.2.2 Climate Preparedness
Over the past century, average maximum temperatures in California have increased 1.6°F to 2.5°F, and these temperatures are expected to continue to rise over the coming years (WRCC 2018). Longer, more intense periods of drought and more variable periods of precipitation with increased flooding (Swain et al. 2018) will make finding additional irrigation water a challenge, and allocating funding for irrigation improvements for street trees a priority (McBride and Lacan 2018). The City can prepare for these expected changes by selecting and planting species that are predicted to perform well in future climate conditions. There are many considerations when looking at the climate appropriateness of urban tree species. This analysis considers tree species’ water needs using Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) and future climate suitability based on research conducted by McBride and Lacan (2018). 60 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 61
FRESNO’S URBAN FOREST PROGRAM
Exhibit 4-11 shows the percent of trees in the inventory that fall into each WUCOLS water use category. WUCOLS classifies plants as very low, low, moderate, or high-water users. WUCOLS water ratings are often part of the guidelines for selecting trees species palettes throughout California. Species that are rated as high or moderate water users will require more water resources to than lower rated species.
Exhibit 4-11. Water Use Rating Distribution of the City’s Tree Inventory Source: City of Fresno Tree Inventory (City of Fresno 2015): McBride and Lacan (2018).
City of Fresno Inventory
WATER RATING DIVERSITY
LOW: 41%
MODERATE: 53%
HIGH: 3%
VERY LOW: 1%
NOT IN
DATABASE 2%
Water Use Rating
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Not Appropriate for this Region
Not in WUCOLS Database
Percentages of less than 1% are unlabeled
62 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
FRESNO’S URBAN FOREST PROGRAM
In 2018, a climate suitability study
was conducted for street trees in
California. This research picked
one California city to represent
each of the 16 hardiness zones
present in California. Common tree
species in these representative
cities were then compared to
common tree species in cities
with current temperatures equal
to the predicted temperatures
of the representative cities in
2099. A list of species that will be
unsuitable for future climates was
created based on their absence
from warmer cities, professional
opinions, and WUCOLS ratings of
unsuitable or high.
Using results from McBride and
Lacan’s research to compare to
Fresno’ inventory, there are 36
tree species in the City that are
predicted to be heat and water
sensitive in Fresno’ future climate.
These species make up 9,835 trees
and 31% of the City’s inventory.
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Exhibit 4-12 presents the top 10 most commonly occurring of these species. This list indicates the potential for a gradual decline of tree canopy cover over time. Based on this list of species, the City will need to determine which species should remain on its palette and prioritize species that will be able to withstand hotter and dryer weather if future drought conditions persist.
8.1% (13,049 trees)
4.5% (7,254 trees)
4.2% (6,829 trees)
3.1% (5,039 trees)
2.7% (4,291 trees)
2.4% (3,935 trees)
2.4% (3,846 trees)
2.3% (3,728 trees)
2.0% (3,251 trees)
1.9% (3,049 trees)Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
Sweet gum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Camphor tree
Cinnamomum camphora
Chinese elm
Ulmus parvifolia
Chinese tallow tree
Triadica sebifera
Coast redwood
Sequoia sempervirens
Callery pear
Pyrus calleryana 'bradford'
London plane
Platanus x hispanica
Southern magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Crape myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
0% 5% 10%
Percent of Inventory
Species
Top 10 Species in Inventory Unsuitable for Future California Climates City of Fresno Inventory − Climate Resiliency
A total of 41 species (63,317 trees or 39.3%) in the City's inventory are predicted to be unsuitable for future climates.
Note: Research excluded palm species
Exhibit 4-12. Top 10 Species Predicted to be Unsuitable for Fresno’s Future Climates City of Fresno
Inventory
CLIMATE
RESILIENCY
Sources: City of Fresno 2021; McBride and Lacan 2018.
The top
10 species
in Inventory
Unsuitable
for Future
Fresno
Climates
64 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
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4.2.3 DSH
Distribution
Summary
The most common and least invasive
method to approximate the age of
a living tree is to measure the trunk
diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground
diameter at standard height. General
age recommendations suggest an urban
forest have a distribution of immature
trees (40%) to replace failing or aging
ones, young (30%) and middle-aged
(20%) trees to provide the bulk of
economic and environmental benefits,
and relatively fewer mature trees (10%)
that have most of their life behind
them but that provided significant
environmental benefits for many years
(Morgenroth et al. 2020; Richards 1993).
Since trees vary in maximum stature
and growth patterns, using diameter at
standard height to determine age can
only be considered an estimate.
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FRESNO’S URBAN FOREST PROGRAM
The age distribution of Fresno’s tree inventory is presented in Exhibit 4-13.
Source: City of Fresno Tree Inventory (City of Fresno 2014).
Exhibit 4-13. Diameter at Standard Height Distribution of the City’s Tree Inventory City of Fresno Inventory
DIAMETER AT STANDARD HEIGHT (DSH) DIVERSITY
28% 8%11%53%
40% 30% 20% 10%
City
Inventory
Sustainability
Goal
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Percent of Inventory
Age Classification Immature Young Middle−aged Mature
Immature: less than 6" DSH, Young: 6" − 18" DSH, Middle−aged: 18" − 24" DSH, Mature: greater than 24" DSH Percentages less than 1% are unlabeled.
28% 8%11%53%
40% 30% 20% 10%
City
Inventory
Sustainability
Goal
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Percent of Inventory
Age Classification Immature Young Middle−aged Mature
Immature: less than 6" DSH, Young: 6" − 18" DSH, Middle−aged: 18" − 24" DSH, Mature: greater than 24" DSH Percentages less than 1% are unlabeled.
66 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
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4.2.4 Importance
Values
Summary
The importance value of
tree species combines
the percentage of
the species in the
population of City-
managed trees with
its corresponding
percentage of leaf area.
The top 10 species with
the highest importance
values are shown in
Exhibit 4-14.
22.3 14.3
13.7 11.2
9.3 8.3
8 7.3
7 6.5Camphor tree
Cinnamomum camphora
Holly oak
Quercus ilex
Canary Island pine
Pinus canariensis
Coast redwood
Sequoia sempervirens
Sweet gum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Callery pear
Pyrus calleryana
Crape myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
Southern magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
London plane
Platanus x hispanica
Chinese pistache
Pistacia chinensis
0 5 10 15 20 25
Importance Value
Species
Tree Stature Large Medium Small
11.6%
4.2%
4.5%
8.1%
3.2%
2.0%
2.7%
2.1%
1.6%
2.3%
0% 5% 10%
Percent of Inventory
City of Fresno Inventory − Importance Value
Top 10 Species by Importance Value
TOP 10 SPECIES BY IMPORTANCE VALUE
Source: City of Fresno 2021
Exhibit 4-14. Ten Species with the Highest Importance Values in the City’s Inventory CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 67
FRESNO’S URBAN FOREST PROGRAM
4.3 Urban Forest Management
4.3.1 Annual Service Data
Annual service data relating to tree maintenance and assessment are provided in Table 4-2. Due to decreased funding in FY 2011, tree maintenance has been reactive. With additional funding in FY 2022, the City contracted tree care maintenance to increase the current level of service with a goal to establish a 10-year tree pruning cycle. Although there is currently no tree risk assessment program, since the initiation of the tree maintenance contract the contractor, the contractor has provided a list of trees for the City to assess and determine if removal or mitigation is needed. With only one arborist in-house, assessment and inspection of this list and resident requests are delayed as in-house staffing remains to be a challenge. Recommendations for tree planting and maintenance can be found in Appendices A–J.
Table 4-2. Annual Tree Service Data
T ree Planting Establishment
Care T ree Pruning T ree Removal Urban Wood
Reuse
T ree Inspection
and Assessment
An average of 339
trees were planted
per year from fiscal
year (FY) 2019 to FY
2022. In FY 2023,
2,253 trees were
planted.
One year of
watering after
planting is
required.
Since Fresno awarded a
pruning contract in FY21, they
have pruned 9,800 trees. T o
achieve the 10-year pruning
cycle goal with the current
inventory of 131,725 a total of
13,299 trees will need to be
pruned per year.
Between FY
2019 and FY
2022, the City
removed 103
trees.
T rees are either
chipped and
hauled off site,
or used as mulch
onsite
Currently, there
is no systematic
framework to
assess tree risk.
Exhibit 4-14. Ten Species with the Highest Importance Values in the City’s Inventory 68 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
FRESNO’S URBAN FOREST PROGRAM
4.3.2 Recommended
Species Palette
The DDPW Landscape Division uses the General
Use Tree list (last updated July 2022) when
selecting trees to plant. The current list is organized by mature tree size (small, medium, and large),
water use behavior, and trees for special use only
(certain locations or parkway sizes). AppendixK
provides a recommended species palette,
developed using the following parameters:
A preference for trees that are rated as
very low or low by the WUCOLS
Species that are expected to perform
well in Fresno’s future heat and drought
conditions
Inclusion of well-adapted local and
regionally native species.
Diverse planting size requirements to allow
for various tree planting locations that
encourage the “Right Tree, Right Place”
philosophy of tree selection and planting
A diversity of species to achieve species
diversity goals identified in this UFMP
Species options to reflect existing
neighborhood character
4.3.3 Budget and Funding
Table 4-3 shows the funding sources that contribute to the DDPW’s Urban Forestry Section funding for FY 24. Tables 4-4 and 4-5 show the approximate percentage of how the budget is spent, shown by task area and tree activity, respectively. The budget that is allocated to DPW Urban Forestry Section salaries is presented in Table 4-6.
Table 4-3. Fresno’s Funding Sources
Funding Source In-House Allocation Contractor Allocation General Fund $0 $2,830,300
Gas Tax $1,274,700 $0
T ree Fees $0 $0
Special Measures (SB1) $50,000 $0
General Fund PARCS
Subtotal $ 1,324,700 $2,830,300
Grand Total $4,155,000
Table 4-4. Where DPW’s Urban Forestry Section Funding is Spent by Task Area T ask Areas In–House Contractor Services
Budget $1,324,700 $2,830,300
Street trees 90% 79%
Park trees 7% 18%
Natural area trees 0% 0%
Public ground trees 3% 3%
Total 100% 100%
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Table 4-5. Where DPW’s Urban Forestry Section Funding is Spent By Tree Activity T ree Activity In-House Services Contractor Services
Budget $1,324,700 $2,830,300
T ree planting 0% 1.63%
T ree pruning 55% 72.9%
T ree removal 15% 4.84%
Stump removal 7% 5.63%
Storm cleanup 23% 15%
Total % 100% 100%
Table 4-6. DPW’s Forestry Section Salaries Spent on the Urban Forest Title Positions FTE T otal Salary
+Benefits +Fringe
Real Salary Expenditure on Urban
Forestry Related T asks
T ree T rimmer Lead worker 2 2 $168,297 $168,297
Park Maintenance Worker II 1 1 $68,645 $68,645
Forestry Supervisor I 1 1 $102,523 $102,523
Laborer 1 1 $65,041 $65,041
Parks Supervisor II 1 0.25 $104,536 $26,134
Total 6 5.25 $509,042 $430,640
FTE = full-time equivalent
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4.3.4 Staffing and Contractors
Current Staffing
Currently, DPW’s Forestry Section has a total of eight positions, and not all staff spend 100% of time on direct urban forest management activities. The time spent on urban forest
management activities by the eight staff equates to 5.25 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff. Effectively, 5.25 staff manage 131,725 trees, or 25,090 trees per FTE employee and 26,345 trees per ground laborer. Table 4-7 and Exhibit 4.15 breaks down the position title, the FTEs for each position, and the organizational chart that is currently implemented.
A forestry contractor handles the majority of proactive and routine pruning for the city, while the four-person city tree crew predominantly handles reactive hazardous tree removal and cleanup and FresGo maintenance requests. The City's contractor will adhere to ISA standards and be routinely evaluated by a City arborist, or an impartial (outside) entity/consultant to ensure preferred practices are followed.
According to staff interviews, the City’s tree management budget increased in fiscal year FY22 but is still not adequate for all tree management needs within Fresno. City staff expressed a desire to maintain street trees on a 10-year pruning cycle, increase annual planting numbers, ensure proper establishment care, and address salary and continued education concerns Exhibit 4-15. DPW’s Forestry Section
Organizational Chart Title
Table 4-7. DPW’s Forestry Section Head Count and
Position Title
Title Positions Full- Time
Equivalent
Parks Supervisor II 1 0.25
Forestry Supervisor I 1 1
T ree T rimmer 3 2
Park Maintenance
Worker II 1 1
Laborer 2 1
Total 8 5.25
Parks Supervisor II
Forestry Supervisor I
Park Maintenance
Worker II
Tree Trimmer Lead
Laborer
Tree Trimmer Lead
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 71
FRESNO’S URBAN FOREST PROGRAM
for current staff and staff recruitment. Having a larger core team of City staff will help maintain institutional knowledge, support the development of new hires and seasonal
employees, and build relationships with the community.
City staff also expressed a need for an engagement and
education program focused on the benefits of trees,
importance of “right tree, right place”, and ways to mitigate conflicts between trees and infrastructure other than tree removal. Insufficient budget and staffing were the main barriers identified in achieving these goals.
4.3.5 Funding Strategies
The analysis reflects additional funding needs for the
Urban Forest Management Program. Recognizing the high
demands for General Fund resources in Public Safety and Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services
and the significant backlog of deferred maintenance in City buildings and facilities, it should be noted that it is difficult for the City to propose substantial increases in General Fund resources for the urban forest. Other options for
funding urban forest management include:
Sales Tax Measures
Voter approved sales tax measures can be one method to
generate the additional revenue needed for the care of the urban forest. The level of funding required varies with the selected strategy.
Annexation of Existing Neighborhoods to
Community Facilities Districts
Currently State law requires a 2/3 majority support on the ballots returned to form a new maintenance district or to annex property into an existing maintenance district under Mello-Roos law. This approach creates a new special
tax to be levied, with revenue collected being limited to the specific neighborhood and for the specific services noted at time of formation or annexation. Funds would
be protected specifically for the street trees or park trees within the boundary of the CFD annexation.
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts
(EIFD)
A certain geographic boundary of the City would be
established as an EIFD, where a portion of the tax increment could be designated for urban forest maintenance along
with other services benefitting the district. Recognizing the argument that healthy, well maintained urban forests of streetscapes, parks and greenways increase property
values, allocating a portion of tax increment could be one consideration as a funding strategy.
72 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
5 STRATEGIC PLAN
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 73
Vision Statement | STRA TEGIC PLANCITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 73
5.2 Urban Forest
Management Pathways
There are four recommended scenarios that Fresno’s urban forest can take moving forward. Each scenario in this analysis will project Fresno’s tree inventory 50 years into the future based on different management actions starting with “business as usual” and ending with reaching the aspiration goal of 20% canopy cover. For each scenario, 3% inflation rate was used to project costs in the future. Funding is also increased by 3% annually to show at what point funding could match costs. The purpose of these recommended scenarios is to provide options where sufficient funding and staffing can be reached. Those two key factors (funding and staff/contractors) are paramount to achieving a proactive urban forest management program, which will reduce the amount of reactive management occurs (emergencies, incidents, or inquiries from tree failures). Without staff/contractors to coordinate tree planting and management efforts, greater urban forestry goals identified in this UFMP cannot be implemented or achieved. Providing sufficient staffing and funding for the possible pathways allows the City to foster a more resilient, more sustainable, and more equitable urban forest.
Expanding canopy cover requires the planting and
establishment of new trees into the landscape. Planting and establishment care require staff coordination, planning discussions, and planting efforts, as well as tree stock, tree watering, tree stakes, tree ties, irrigation, and personnel to water the trees for the first three years. In Fresno, newly planted trees need both funding and resources to grow to maturity in the urban landscape. To maintain a safe urban forest, industry standards outlines a 5-7 year pruning cycle, which can only be achieved with increased and annual
funding and staff to coordinate these efforts.
5.1 Vision Statement
Fresno’s urban forest is a collection of
water-wise, diverse, mixed-aged trees that
are strategically planted and well-maintained
to promote a sustainable urban forest that
forms a thriving, flourishing environment
for all community members to enjoy for
generations to come.
74 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
STRATEGIC PLAN | Funding and Staffing Recommendations
1 10 20 30 40 50
Total Expenditu re Need ed to M eet
BMP $5 ,41 5,73 5$5 ,87 0,94 7$6 ,35 8,71 3$6 ,88 7,86 5$7 ,44 7,43 1$8 ,03 1,84 6 Tr ee budget $4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0 $0
$1 ,00 0,00 0
$2 ,00 0,00 0
$3 ,00 0,00 0
$4 ,00 0,00 0
$5 ,00 0,00 0
$6 ,00 0,00 0
$7 ,00 0,00 0
$8 ,00 0,00 0
$9 ,00 0,00 0
Cost Projection of Fresno's Urban Forest
5.2.1 Scenario One: Business as Usual
Business as usual has no changes to the current management practices and funding going towards the urban forest. This scenario holds pruning at a ten-year cycle, no establishment care, and the only planting is happening from the 1,000-tree Exhibit 5-1. Fresno’s Estimated Cost for Managing its Urban Forest with Current Practices CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 75
Funding and Staffing Recommendations | STRATEGIC PLAN
1 10 20 30 40 50
Total Number of Trees 13 27 25 11 98 25 10 94 43 10 11 30 9 43 38 8 87 89 Number of Mature Trees 13 17 25 10 98 25 9 54 43 8 71 30 8 03 38 7 47 89 Nu mbe r o f Yo u ng Tre es10 00 1 00 00 1 40 00 1 40 00 1 40 00 1 40 00 0 2 00 00
4 00 00
6 00 00
8 00 00
10 00 00
12 00 00
14 00 00
Number of trees
Years
Tree Inventory Age Distribution
Total Number of Trees Number of Mature Trees Nu mbe r o f Yo u ng Tre es Exhibit 5-2. Fresno’s Tree Age Distribution
initiative. On average, an expected net loss of 1,600 trees annually is projected. Exhibits 5-1 and 5-2 visualize the projected costs and the number of trees within Fresno’s publicly managed trees. 76 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
STRATEGIC PLAN | Funding and Staffing Recommendations
1 10 20 30 40 50
Total Expenditu re Need ed to M eet
BMP $7 ,17 8,73 5$7 ,46 8,62 0$7 ,81 7,95 6$8 ,23 6,27 1$ 8,7 05 ,2 75$ 9,2 15 ,6 94 Tr ee budget $4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0 $0
$1 ,00 0,00 0
$2 ,00 0,00 0
$3 ,00 0,00 0
$4 ,00 0,00 0
$5 ,00 0,00 0
$6 ,00 0,00 0
$7 ,00 0,00 0
$8 ,00 0,00 0
$9 ,00 0,00 0
$1 0,0 00,0 00
Cost Projection of Fresno's Urban Forest
5.2.2 Scenario Two: Reach Pruning BMP
Scenario two focuses on reaching Best Management Practices (BMP). Which will change the current management practice (of a ten-year pruning cycle) by meeting industry BMP of every tree being pruned every 5-7 years. This scenario still has no establishment care, and the only planting that is happening is from the 1,000-tree initiative. On average, an expected net loss of Exhibit 5-3. Fresno’s Estimated Cost for Managing its Urban Forest with Pruning BMP CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 77
Funding and Staffing Recommendations | STRATEGIC PLAN
1,600 trees annually is projected. The benefit of this scenario comes from having the risk of tree accidents, due to limb failure or a fallen tree, reduced. Exhibits 5-3 and 5-4 visualize the projected costs and the number of trees within Fresno’s publicly managed trees.
1 10 20 30 40 50
Total Number of Trees 13 27 25 11 98 25 10 94 43 10 11 30 9 43 38 8 87 89 Number of Mature Trees 13 17 25 10 98 25 9 54 43 8 71 30 8 03 38 7 47 89 Nu mbe r o f Yo u ng Tre es10 00 1 00 00 1 40 00 1 40 00 1 40 00 1 40 00 0 2 00 00
4 00 00
6 00 00
8 00 00
10 00 00
12 00 00
14 00 00
Number of trees
Years
Tree Inventory Age Distribution
Total Number of Trees Number of Mature Trees Nu mbe r o f Yo u ng Tre es Exhibit 5-4. Fresno’s Tree Age Distribution
78 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
STRATEGIC PLAN | Funding and Staffing Recommendations
5.2.3 Scenario Three: Fill Existing Vacant Sites
Fresno has just under 30,000 vacant tree wells that a tree used to occupy but has not been replaced. Scenario three fills those sites over 40 years and replaces dead trees with new ones. This scenario holds pruning at BMP, includes a three-year establishment care for newly planted trees, and to replace the dead trees and fill the vacant sites, planting an estimated 1 10 20 30 40 50
Total Expenditu re Need ed to M eet
BMP $1 3,1 49,2 91$2 1,3 00,3 18$2 1,9 49,8 32$2 3,6 99,3 63$2 1,6 71,6 75$2 3,0 23,6 50 Tr ee budget $4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0 $0
$5 ,00 0,00 0
$1 0,0 00,0 00
$1 5,0 00,0 00
$2 0,0 00,0 00
$2 5,0 00,0 00
Cost Projection of Fresno's Urban Forest
Exhibit 5-5. Fresno’s Estimated Cost for Managing its Urban Forest with Filling the Vacant Sites CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 79
Funding and Staffing Recommendations | STRATEGIC PLAN
1 10 20 30 40 50
Total Number of Trees 13 50 87 14 16 31 14 89 03 15 61 74 16 05 37 16 05 37 Number of Mature Trees 13 17 25 10 98 25 10 81 74 11 46 92 12 03 70 12 54 27 Nu mbe r o f Yo u ng Tre es33 62 3 18 06 4 07 28 4 14 82 4 01 67 3 51 10 0 2 00 00
4 00 00
6 00 00
8 00 00
10 00 00
12 00 00
14 00 00
16 00 00
18 00 00
Number of trees
Years
Tree Inventory Age Distribution
Total Number of Trees Number of Mature Trees Nu mbe r o f Yo u ng Tre es amount of 3,400 trees annually will be required. On average, an expected net gain of 727 trees annually is projected. Exhibits 5-5 and 5-6 visualize the projected costs and the number of trees within Fresno’s publicly managed trees.
Exhibit 5-6. Fresno’s Tree Age Distribution
5.2.4 Scenario Four: 20% Canopy Cover Goal
Scenario four reaches the aspirational goal of a 20% canopy cover within Fresno. To achieve this goal an estimated 80,000 trees will need to be planted over forty years to expand the canopy to 20%. This equals to 4,639 trees annually when considering the replacement of trees that died for that year as well. This scenario holds pruning at BMP, includes a three- 1 10 20 30 40 50
Total Expenditu re Need ed to M eet
BMP $1 6,7 94,9 25$2 8,2 29,7 93$2 9,7 93,2 31$3 3,0 45,4 88$2 8,9 17,6 70$2 7,6 70,8 55 Tr ee budget $4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0$4 ,15 5,00 0 $0
$5 ,00 0,00 0
$1 0,0 00,0 00
$1 5,0 00,0 00
$2 0,0 00,0 00
$2 5,0 00,0 00
$3 0,0 00,0 00
$3 5,0 00,0 00
Cost Projection to Expand Fresno's Urban Forest to 20%
80 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
STRATEGIC PLAN | Funding and Staffing Recommendations
Exhibit 5-7. Fresno’s Estimated Cost for Managing its Urban Forest with 20% Canopy Cover CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 81
Funding and Staffing Recommendations | STRATEGIC PLAN
1 10 20 30 40 50
Total Number of Trees 13 63 64 15 44 09 17 44 58 19 45 07 21 25 51 21 25 51 Number of Mature Trees 13 17 25 10 98 25 11 54 67 13 24 14 14 81 97 16 41 27 Nu mbe r o f Yo u ng Tre es46 39 4 45 83 5 89 90 6 20 93 6 43 54 4 84 24 0 5 00 00
10 00 00
15 00 00
20 00 00
25 00 00
Number of trees
Years
Tree Inventory Age Distribution
Total Number of Trees Number of Mature Trees Nu mbe r o f Yo u ng Tre es Exhibit 5-8. Fresno’s Tree Age Distribution
year establishment care for newly planted trees, filling the vacant sites, and creating an estimated 51,100 tree wells to plant the needed expansion of canopy. On average, an expected net gain of 2,004 trees annually is projected. Exhibits 5-7 and 5-8 visualize the projected costs and the number of trees within Fresno’s publicly managed trees. 82 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
STRA TEGIC PLAN | Guiding Principles
5.3 Guiding Principles, Strategies, and Actions
STRATEGIC PLAN
The Fresno UFMP Strategic Plan lays out a roadmap to achieving Fresno’s vision statement for the ideal urban forest.
Guiding Principle Strategy
A sufficiently funded urban forest The urban forest and its goals are achieved through sufficient financial investment and adequate staffing resources.
A maintained living asset
T rees are maintained according to best management practices to improve the health, longevity, safety, and functional capacity of the existing urban forest, and to ensure that the future urban forest can reach its potential to provide the full range of environmental benefits and services.
A flourishing tree canopy enjoyed
by all
Existing trees are maintained, and new trees are strategically planted to increase canopy cover so that all Fresno residents have equitable distribution of tree canopy coverage.
An enhanced quality of life for
community members The quality of life in Fresno is enhanced by benefits and services provided by the urban forest.
An urban forest that is well
prepared for climate change
The thriving urban forest contributes to reduced urban heat islands; increased energy efficiency; resilience to drought, heat, pests, and diseases; and landscapes that conserve water.
An urban forest that balances
trees, housing needs, and
infrastructure
T rees are included in the beginning of the planning process to provide landscaped settings and habitat, maximize environmental benefits, and reduce infrastructure conflicts.
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 83
Guiding Principles | STRA TEGIC PLAN
5.3 Guiding Principles, Strategies, and Actions
STRATEGIC PLAN
The Fresno UFMP Strategic Plan lays out a roadmap to achieving Fresno’s vision statement for the ideal urban forest.
Guiding Principle Strategy
A sufficiently funded urban forest The urban forest and its goals are achieved through sufficient financial investment and adequate staffing resources.
A maintained living asset
T rees are maintained according to best management practices to improve the health, longevity, safety, and functional capacity of the existing urban forest, and to ensure that the future urban forest can reach its potential to provide the full range of environmental benefits and services.
A flourishing tree canopy enjoyed
by all
Existing trees are maintained, and new trees are strategically planted to increase canopy cover so that all Fresno residents have equitable distribution of tree canopy coverage.
An enhanced quality of life for
community members The quality of life in Fresno is enhanced by benefits and services provided by the urban forest.
An urban forest that is well
prepared for climate change
The thriving urban forest contributes to reduced urban heat islands; increased energy efficiency; resilience to drought, heat, pests, and diseases; and landscapes that conserve water.
An urban forest that balances
trees, housing needs, and
infrastructure
T rees are included in the beginning of the planning process to provide landscaped settings and habitat, maximize environmental benefits, and reduce infrastructure conflicts.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 1:
A Sufficiently Funded Urban Forest
STRATEGY Action No. ACTION TIME FRAME
The urban forest and
its goals are achieved
through sufficient
financial investment
and adequate staffing
resources.
1A
Apply for state grants and increase nonprofit and other partnerships to increase funding for tree planting and care establishment
Ongoing
1B
Continue to pursue tree planting opportunities through
community volunteer events or collaborating with local
organizations to reduce the cost of tree planting
Ongoing
1C Communicate the economic value of trees to decision makers Ongoing 1D Develop a strategy to increase tree maintenance funds as the City’s trees age and require increased maintenance costs Medium 1E Pursue CAL FIRE grant funding to develop an urban wood reuse program Short
1F Identify opportunities to leverage future development projects to increase resources for urban forest management Medium
1G Annually provide a report on the City’s return on investment from the funding that is allocated to urban forest management Ongoing 84 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
STRA TEGIC PLAN | Guiding Principles
(continued)
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 1:
A Sufficiently Funded Urban Forest
STRATEGY Action No. ACTION TIME FRAME
The urban forest and
its goals are achieved
through sufficient
financial investment
and adequate staffing
resources.
1H Hire additional City staff and/or increase current services from contractors to accommodate tree maintenance backlog Short 1I Designate a City Arborist or City Urban Forester to oversee all urban forest activities in the City Short
1J
Increase funding to meet best management practice (BMP) recommendations, and annually match funding with the inflation rate increase
Ongoing
1K Improve continuing education opportunities for staff, to ensure they’re operating under BMPs Short
1L Establish an internship program to enhance the urban forestry workforce Medium
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 85
Guiding Principles | STRA TEGIC PLAN
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 2:
A Maintained Living Asset
STRATEGY Action No. ACTION TIME FRAME
T rees are maintained
according to best
management practices
to improve the health,
longevity, safety, and
functional capacity
of the existing urban
forest, and to ensure
that the future urban
forest can reach its
potential to provide
the full range of
environmental benefits
and services.
2A Update the City’s right-of-way tree inventory every 5 years to ensure the City has accurate information about all its tree assets Ongoing 2B Continue the pruning cycle of 10 years, with an eventual 5–7-year goal for all City-managed trees Long
2C Create a tree risk management program that includes risk assessments every 3 to 5 years Medium
2D
Align tree practices, such as planting, establishment care, and pruning with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) BMP and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards.
Short
2E
Update planting guidelines according to ISA BMP and ANSI Standards. Ensure that planting guidelines are followed by city staff and contractors.
Long
2F Update plant material standards (Section 26-2.1 of the Standard Specifications) with current industry best management practices. Medium 2G Adopt the Recommended Species List (Appendix K) for use by all City departments to guide tree planting. Short
2H Implement an irrigation program so that new trees receive adequate water Medium
86 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
STRA TEGIC PLAN | Guiding Principles
(continued)
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 2:
A Maintained Living Asset
Strategy Action No. Action Time Frame
T rees are maintained
according to best
management practices
to improve the health,
longevity, safety, and
functional capacity
of the existing urban
forest, and to ensure
that the future urban
forest can reach its
potential to provide
the full range of
environmental benefits
and services.
2I
When experiencing extreme heat or drought events, check soil moisture for newly planted trees to determine if an additional watering event per week will benefit new tree establishment.
Short
2J Plant 2,600 new trees per year to maintain maintain current canopy coverOngoing 2K Implement a formative pruning program for young and newly planted trees to mitigate potential tree structure and safety issues Medium 2L
Explore partnerships for developing an urban wood reuse program, such as programs for tree removal and milling, to turn removed trees into usable lumber
Short
2M Monitor trees rated as poor or dead in the City’s tree inventory to determine appropriate management actions Short
2N Merge contractor and internal tree work records into a singular database.Short 2O The City should continue to monitor its arborist contractor to adhere to ISA standards and be routinely evaluated by a City arborist. Ongoing 2P T opping trees is discouraged throughout the city of Fresno for private and public land. Ongoing
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 87
Guiding Principles | STRA TEGIC PLAN
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 3:
A Flourishing Tree Canopy Enjoyed By All
Strategy Action No. Action Time Frame
Existing trees
are maintained,
and new trees
are strategically
planted to
increase canopy
cover so that all
Fresno residents
have equitable
distribution of tree
canopy coverage.
3A Achieve a 20% City-wide canopy cover over the next 40 years Long 3B
Prioritize planting throughout Fresno census tracts based on the Priority Planting Score and map to increase canopy cover equitably throughout the City
Medium
3C Assess causes of canopy loss for council districts, landscape maintenance districts, and census tracts with high canopy decrease from 2018 to 2022 Short 3D Focus tree planting initiatives on schools, mixed uses areas, and commercial areas and on census tracts with high priority planting scores Ongoing 3E Increase tree planting near bus stops, paths, and tails with 0%–10% canopy cover Ongoing
3F
Ensure urban forestry policies and programs focus on increasing canopy cover for low-canopied areas in a way that is culturally and linguistically relevant and mitigates economic burdens on residents
Ongoing
3G Increase tree planting in zones that surround agriculture/future development areas, to mitigate the canopy loss in these areas Ongoing 3H Prioritize large stature trees that contribute to more leaf area and importance value Ongoing
3I Require tree replacements at a ratio greater than 2:1 for all permitted tree removals, especially with removals associated with development Medium 88 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
STRA TEGIC PLAN | Guiding Principles
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 4:
Enhance The Quality Of Life For Community Members
Strategy Action No. Action Time Frame
The quality of life in
Fresno is enhanced by
benefits and services
provided by the urban
forest.
4A
Create a program for community members to participate in tree care and maintenance in their own neighborhoods (i.e., developing a community forester program, community tree care workshops, tree plantings) Short
4B
Provide guidance and educational materials to property owners regarding responsibility for maintaining trees in the public right-of-way and how to properly care for and water trees
Short
4C Create education programs that describe how planting more trees in Fresno will increase shade and cleaner air in the City Short 4D
Continue to work with Working Group members to regularly, and actively engage with community members to best plan for future urban forest- related endeavors
Ongoing
4E Create and provide a guide on how to properly plant, prune, water, and maintain private property trees Short
4F
Identify streets where trees are lacking and pursue tree planting opportunities along these routes, beginning with areas identified by community members during public input, including the T ower District, Florence Avenue site, Marketplace at El Paseo, Manchester Shopping Center, and others.
Short
4G Continue multilingual outreach to Spanish, Hmong, and Punjabi communities, to ensure their diverse prospectives are heard and valued Ongoing CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 89
Guiding Principles | STRA TEGIC PLAN
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 5:
An Urban Forest That Is Well Prepared For Climate Change Strategy Action No. Action Time Frame
The thriving urban
forest contributes
to reduced urban
heat islands;
increased energy
efficiency; resilience
to drought, heat,
pests and diseases;
and landscapes that
conserve water.
5A Decrease the frequency of tree species that are over represented in the inventory for new tree plantings Ongoing
5B Plant trees rated by the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLs) as low and very low Ongoing
5C
Ensure that age classes of trees are sufficiently distributed to ensure environmental benefits continue, by consistently planting 2,600 trees per year
Ongoing
5D
Implement a scouting program for Very High and High rated pests to better prevent or intercept a pest that could cause severe damage to the urban forest.
Short
5E Avoid planting of identified invasive species Short
5F
Annually review the City recommended tree species list and update it as appropriate to ensure species are suitable for current and future climate conditions, are low water use, will achieve species diversity standards, and will prioritize well-adapted local and regionally native species
Ongoing
90 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
STRA TEGIC PLAN | Guiding Principles
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 6:
An Urban Forest That Balances, Trees, Housing
Needs, And Infrastructure
Strategy Action No. Action Time Frame
T rees are included in
the beginning of the
planning process to
provide landscaped
settings and
habitat, maximize
environmental
benefits, and reduce
infrastructure
conflicts.
6A Invest in a community outreach and education program focused on mitigating conflicts between trees and infrastructure Ongoing 6B
Consider recommendations discussed in Chapter 4 to strengthen tree replacement, protection and Code violations within Municipal Code Article 3: Street T rees and Parkways
Short
6C Consider removing the exemption of tree protection on single family zoned lotsShort 6D
Consider updating Municipal Code Sections 25: Landscape Irrigation and 26: Planting Specifications per recommendations in Chapter 4 of the UFMP T echnical Assessment
Short
6E Update Municipal Code Chapter 15: T raffic Divider Islands per recommendations in Chapter 4 of the UFMP T echnical Assessment Short 6F
Consider updating the General plan per recommendations in Chapter 4 of the UFMP T echnical Assessment to add tree protection goals, policies, and actions that align with this UFMP
Medium
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 91
Guiding Principles | STRA TEGIC PLAN
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 6:
An Urban Forest That Balances, Trees, Housing
Needs, And Infrastructure
Strategy Action No. Action Time Frame
T rees are included in
the beginning of the
planning process to
provide landscaped
settings and
habitat, maximize
environmental
benefits, and reduce
infrastructure
conflicts.
6G
Consider updating the Parks Master Plan per Chapter 4 of the UFMP T echnical Assessment to align canopy cover goals, tree planting standards, and recommended tree species with this UFMP
Medium
6H Consider updating the Housing Element per Chapter 4 of the UFMP T echnical Assessment Medium
6I
Ensure a City arborist is directly involved in reviewing new development designs, project permits, and removal applications to ensure best arboricultural practices are enforced and trees are protected where possible Short
6J Review and update new subdivision standards. Currently, new subdivisions do not have street trees in the ROW. Ongoing
92 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
6 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 93
Ongoing Actions | IMPLEMENT A TION PLAN
ACTION
NO. ACTION RESPONSIBLE
PARTY COST
1A Apply for state grants and increase nonprofit and other partnerships to increase funding for tree planting and care establishment DPW $
1B Pursue tree planting opportunities through community volunteer events or collaborating with local organizations to reduce the cost of tree planting DPW, PARCS $ 1C Communicate the economic value of trees to decision makers DPW, PARCS $ 1G Annually provide a report on the City’s return on investment from the funding that is allocated to urban forest management DPW, PARCS $
1K Increase funding to meet BMP recommendations, and annually match funding with the inflation rate increase DPW, PARCS City $$$$
2A Consider updating the City’s right-of-way tree inventory every 5 years to ensure the City has accurate information about all its tree assets DPW $$$$ 2J Plant 3,447 new trees per year over 20 years to achieve 20% canopy cover goals DPW $$$$ 2P The City should continue to monitor its arborist contractor to adhere to ISA standards and be routinely evaluated by a City arborist. DPW $
3D Focus tree planting initiatives on schools, mixed uses areas, and commercial areas and on census tracts with high priority planting scores
DPW, PARCS,
Planning $
3E Increase tree planting near bus stops, paths, and trails with 0% to 10% canopy cover DPW, PARCS $$ 3F
Ensure urban forestry policies and programs focus on increasing canopy cover for low-canopied areas in a way that is culturally and linguistically relevant, and mitigates economic burdens on residents
DPW, PARCS,
Planning $
3G Increase tree planting in zones that surround agriculture/future development areas, to mitigate the canopy loss in these areas DPW $
NOTES: DPW = Public Works; PARCS = Parks; City = City council action required COSTS: $ Low (0–$25,000); $$ Medium ($25,000–$50,000); $$$ High ($50,000–$100,000) $$$$ Very High (>$100,000)
ONGOING ACTIONS
94 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
IMPLEMENT A TION PLAN | Ongoing Actions
ACTION
NO. ACTION RESPONSIBLE
PARTY COST
3H Prioritize large stature trees that contribute to more leaf area and importance value DPW, PARCS, Planning $
4D Continue to work with Working Group members to regularly, and actively engage with community members to best plan for future urban forest- related endeavors DPW $ 4G Continue multilingual outreach to Spanish, Hmong, and Punjabi communities, to ensure their diverse prospectives are heard and valued
DPW, PARCS,
Planning $
4H Convene the UFMP Working Group twice per year to discuss UFMP implementation progress, solicit feedback, and strengthen partnerships. DPW $ 5A Decrease the frequency of tree species that are over represented in the inventory for new tree plantings
DPW, PARCS,
Planning $
5B Plant trees rated by the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLs) as low and very low DPW, PARCS $
5C Ensure that age classes of trees are sufficiently distributed to for environmental benefits continue, by consistently planting 2,600 trees per year DPW $ 5F
Annually review the City recommended tree species list and update it as appropriate to ensure species are suitable for current and future climate conditions, are low water use, will achieve species diversity standards, and will prioritize well-adapted local and regionally native species DPW $
6A Invest in a community outreach and education program focused on mitigating conflicts between trees and infrastructure
DPW, PARCS,
Planning $$$
6J Annually retake the Vibrant Cities Lab Community Assessment and Goal Setting T ool to track, measure, and highlight UFMP implementation progress. DPW $ 6K Review, reassess, and update the UFMP every 5 years to ensure its recommendations meet current conditions of the City. DPW, City $$$$
ONGOING ACTIONS
NOTES: DPW = Public Works; PARCS = Parks; City = City council action required COSTS: $ Low (0–$25,000); $$ Medium ($25,000–$50,000); $$$ High ($50,000–$100,000) $$$$ Very High (>$100,000) CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 95
Short Term Actions 1-5 Years | IMPLEMENT A TION PLAN
ACTION
NO. ACTION RESPONSIBLE
PARTY COST
1E Pursue CAL FIRE grant funding to develop an urban wood reuse program DPW, PARCS $ 1H Hire additional City staff and/or increase current services from contractors to accommodate tree maintenance backlog. DPW $$$$
1J Designate a City Arborist or City Urban Forester to oversee all urban forest activities in the City DPW, $$
1L Improve continuing education opportunities for staff, to ensure they’re operating under BMPs DPW, PARCS $$
1M Conduct an urban forest financing study to determine the full scale of funding required to meet all actions in this UFMP, including potential funding options DPW, City $$ 2D Align tree practices, such as planting, establishment care, and pruning with ISA BMP and ANSI Standards DPW, PARCS $$
2G Adopt the Recommended Species List (Appendix K) for use by all City departments to guide tree planting DPW $
2I When experiencing extreme heat or drought events, check soil moisture for newly planted trees to determine if an additional watering event per week will benefit new tree establishmentDPW $$ 2L Explore partnerships for developing an urban wood reuse program, such as programs for tree removal and milling, to turn removed trees into usable lumber DPW $ NOTES: DPW = Public Works; PARCS = Parks; City = City council action required COSTS: $ Low (0–$25,000); $$ Medium ($25,000–$50,000); $$$ High ($50,000–$100,000) $$$$ Very High (>$100,000) SHORT TERM ACTIONS 1-5 YEARS
96 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
IMPLEMENT A TION PLAN | Short Term Actions 1-5 Years
ACTION
NO. ACTION RESPONSIBLE
PARTY COST
2M Monitor trees rated as poor or dead in the City’s tree inventory to determine appropriate management actions DPW $$$$
2O Merge contractor and internal tree work records into a singular database DPW $$$ 3C Assess causes of canopy loss for council districts, landscape maintenance districts, and census tracts with high canopy decrease from 2018 to 2022 DPW $$$ 4A
Create a program for community members to participate in tree care and maintenance in their own neighborhoods (i.e., developing a community forester program, community tree care workshops, tree plantings)
DPW $
4B Provide guidance and educational materials to property owners regarding responsibility for maintaining trees in the public right-of-way and how to properly care for and water trees DPW, Planning $ 4C Create education programs that describe how planting more trees in Fresno will increase shade and cleaner air in the City DPW, PARCS $
4E Create and provide a guide on how to properly plant, prune, water, and maintain private property trees DPW $
SHORT TERM ACTIONS 1-5 YEARS (CONTINUED)
NOTES: DPW = Public Works; PARCS = Parks
COSTS: $ Low (0–$25,000); $$ Medium ($25,000–$50,000); $$$ High ($50,000–$100,000) $$$$ Very High (>$100,000) CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 97
Short Term Actions 1-5 Years | IMPLEMENT A TION PLAN
SHORT TERM ACTIONS 1-5 YEARS (CONTINUED)
NOTES: DPW = Public Works; PARCS = Parks
COSTS: $ Low (0–$25,000); $$ Medium ($25,000–$50,000); $$$ High ($50,000–$100,000) $$$$ Very High (>$100,000) ACTION
NO. ACTION RESPONSIBLE
PARTY COST
4F
Identify streets where trees are lacking and pursue tree planting opportunities along these routes, beginning with areas identified by community members during public input, including the T ower District, Hyde Park, Marketplace at El Paseo, Manchester Shopping Center, and others
DPW, PARCS $$
5D Implement a scouting program for Very High and High rated pests to better prevent or intercept a pest that could cause severe damage to the urban forest DPW, PARCS $$$ 5E Avoid planting of identified invasive species DPW $
6B
Update Municipal Code Article 3: Street T rees and Parkways per recommendations in Chapter 4 of the UFMP T echnical Assessment to strengthen tree replacement, tree protection, and code violations
DPW, Planning $
6C Consider removing the exemption of tree protection on single family zoned lots Planning $ 6D Consider updating Municipal Code Sections 25: Landscape Irrigation and 26: Planting Specifications per recommendations in Chapter 4 of the UFMP T echnical Assessment DPW $ 6E Consider updating Municipal Code Chapter 15: T raffic Divider Islands per recommendations in Chapter 4 of the UFMP T echnical Assessment DPW $ 6I
Ensure a City arborist is directly involved in reviewing new development designs, project permits, and removal applications to ensure best arboricultural practices are enforced and trees are protected where possible
DPW, Parks $
98 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
IMPLEMENT A TION PLAN | Medium Term Actions 5-10 Years
ACTION
NO. ACTION RESPONSIBLE
PARTY COST
1D Develop a strategy to increase tree maintenance funds as the City’s trees age and require increased maintenance costs DPW, Parks, City $
1F Identify opportunities to leverage future development projects to increase resources for urban forest management DPW, Planning $
1I Create a work plan with the tree contractor to increase pruning rates to achieve a 10- year pruning cycle DPW, City $$$$
1M Establish an internship program to enhance the urban forestry workforce DPW, PARCS, City $$$$
2C Create a tree risk management program that includes risk assessments every 3 to 5 years DPW $$$$ 2F Consider updating plant material standards (Section 26-2.1 of the Standard Specifications) with current industry best management practices. DPW $ 2H Implement an irrigation program so that new trees receive adequate water DPW, PARCS $$$$ MEDIUM TERM ACTIONS 5-10 YEARS
NOTES: DPW = Public Works; PARCS = Parks; City = City council action required COSTS: $ Low (0–$25,000); $$ Medium ($25,000–$50,000); $$$ High ($50,000–$100,000) $$$$ Very High (>$100,000) CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 99
Medium Term Actions 5-10 Years | IMPLEMENT A TION PLAN
ACTION
NO. ACTION RESPONSIBLE
PARTY COST
2K Implement a formative pruning program for young and newly planted trees to mitigate potential tree structure and safety issues DPW $$$
3B Prioritize planting throughout Fresno census tracts based on the Priority Planting Score and map to increase canopy cover equitably throughout the City DPW $ 2Q Require tree replacements at a ratio greater than 2:1 for all permitted tree removals, especially with removals associated with development DPW, Planning $ 6F
Consider updating the General plan per recommendations in Chapter 4 of the UFMP T echnical Assessment to add tree protection goals, policies, and actions that align with this UFMP
Planning $
6G
Consider updating the Parks Master Plan per Chapter 4 of the UFMP T echnical Assessment to align canopy cover goals, tree planting standards, and recommended tree species with this UFMP
PARCS, Planning $
6H Consider updating the Housing Element per Chapter 4 of the UFMP T echnical Assessment Planning $
MEDIUM TERM ACTIONS 5-10 YEARS (CONTINUED)
NOTES: DPW = Public Works; PARCS = Parks; City = City council action required COSTS: $ Low (0–$25,000); $$ Medium ($25,000–$50,000); $$$ High ($50,000–$100,000) $$$$ Very High (>$100,000) 100 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
IMPLEMENT A TION PLAN | Long Term Actions 10 Years+
ACTION NO. ACTION RESPONSIBLE
PARTY COST
2B Establish a pruning cycle of 10 years, with an eventual 5-7 year goal for all City- managed trees DPW $$$$
2E Consider updating planting guidelines according to ISA BMP and ANSI Standards.
Ensure that planting guidelines are followed by city staff and contractors.
DPW, PARCS,
Planning $
3A Achieve a 20% City-wide canopy cover over the next 40 years DPW, PARCS, Planning, City $$$$
LONG TERM ACTIONS 10 YEARS+
NOTES: DPW = Public Works; PARCS = Parks; City = City council action required COSTS: $ Low (0–$25,000); $$ Medium ($25,000–$50,000); $$$ High ($50,000–$100,000) $$$$ Very High (>$100,000) CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 101
Long Term Actions 10 Years+ | IMPLEMENT A TION PLAN
102 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
7 MONITORING PLAN
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 103CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 103
MONITORING PLAN
T
he City can use the Vibrant Cities Lab Community
Assessment and Goal-Setting Tool to monitor the
implementation of the UFMP. The tool is used as an
assessment to define the City’s current state of a specific area of urban forest sustainability. Each metric is assigned a point value, and the City is assigned a “Total Current Score” and a “Gap Score,” or how far off the current state is from the desired goal. A gap score between 20 to 40 is not far from achieving the goals of its urban forest program. Conversely, gap scores of 40+ indicate that a City is still implementing programs and policies to close the gaps and develop a sustainable urban forest.
Public Works and the consultant team conducted Fresno’s first assessment on July 15, 2023. This section provides the results from the first assessment, which set the baseline for the City’s “Total Current Score” at its pre-UFMP metrics.
Based on the first assessment, the City has a current score of 11, with a gap score of 73. The City’s UFMP monitoring plan should be based around the Vibrant Cities Lab Community Assessment and Goal Setting Tool and be retaken each year to track, measure, and highlight progress. The assessment can also be used to demonstrate successes and justify additional funding requests. Since the City first took the assessment, several of the responses that had significant gaps, such as the lack of a UFMP (gap of 5), have already been achieved. The monitoring plan can be found in Appendix L: Monitoring Plan.
104 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
8 REFERENCES
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 105
REFERENCES
Allen, C. R., Macalady, A. K., Chenchouni, H., Bachelet, D., McDowell, N. G., Vennetier, M., Kitzberger, T.,
Rigling, A., Breshears, D. D., Hogg, E. H., Gonzalez,
P., Fensham, R. J., Zhang, Z., Castro, J., Demidova,
N., Lim, J., Allard, G., Running, S. W., Semerci, A.,
& Cobb, N. S. (2010). A global overview of drought
and heat-induced tree mortality reveals emerging
climate change risks for forests. Forest Ecology
and Management, 259(4), 660–684. https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.foreco.2009.09.001
American Lung Association. (2023). Most polluted cities | State of the air. American Lung Association. Retrieved
August 15, 2023, from https://www.lung.org/research/
sota/city-rankings/most-polluted-cities
City of Fresno. 2023. Fresno Water History. Accessed online at: https://www.fresno.gov/publicutilities/fresno-water- history/
City of Fresno. 2023. Historic Preservation.. https://www. fresno.gov/planning/historic-preservation/#history-of-
fresno. Accessed July 21, 2023.
City of Fresno 2014.. City of Fresno General Plan. Retrieved July 24, 2023, from https://www.fresno.gov/
planning/general-plan-development-code/#general-plan
City of Fresno. 2017a. Southwestern Fresno Specific Plan https://www.fresno.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/
SouthwestFresnoBookFINALDraft4618small.pdf
City of Fresno. 2017b. Parks Master Plan. https://issuu.com/ wrtdesign/docs/fresno_pmp_nov_2017_final
Fresno Public Library 2023. https://www.fresnolibrary.org/ heritage/indian.html
Kujawski, R. (2016, October 26). Long-term drought effects on trees and shrubs. Center for Agriculture, Food,
and the Environment. Retrieved July 21, 2023, from
https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/
long-term-drought-effects-on-trees-shrubs
Leahy, I. (2017). Why We No Longer Recommend a 40
Percent Urban Tree Canopy Goal. American Forests.
Accessed online at: Why We No Longer Recommend
a 40 Percent Urban Tree Canopy Goal - American
Forests
106 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
REFERENCES
Locosselli, G. M., De Camargo, E. P., Moreira, T. C. L., Todesco, E., De Fátima Andrade, M., De André, C. D. S., De
André, P. A., Singer, J. M., Ferreira, L. S., Saldiva, P. H.
N., & Buckeridge, M. S. (2019). The role of air pollution and climate on the growth of urban trees. Science
of the Total Environment, 666, 652–661. https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.291
Maizlish N, English D, Chan J, Dervin K, English P. Climate Change and Health Profile Report: Fresno County.
Sacramento, CA: Office of Health Equity, California
Department of Public Health; 2017.
McDonald, R., Biswas, T., Sachar, C., Housman, I. W., Boucher, T. M., Balk, D., Nowak, D. J., Spotswood, E. N., Stanley, C. R., & Leyk, S. (2021). The tree cover and temperature disparity in US urbanized areas: Quantifying the
association with income across 5,723 communities.
PLOS ONE, 16(4), e0249715. https://doi.org/10.1371/
journal.pone.0249715
Morgenroth, J., Nowak, D. J., & Koeser, A. K. (2020). DBH distributions in America’s urban forests—an overview of structural diversity. Forests, 11(2), 135. Can be accessed from: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/11/2/135
Native American Resources. (n.d.). Fresno County Public Library. Retrieved July 21, 2023, from https://www.
fresnolibrary.org/heritage/indian.html
Nowak, D. J., Greenfield, E. J., & Ellis, A. (2022). Assessing Urban Forest Threats across the Conterminous United
States. Journal of Forestry, 120(6), 676–692. https://doi. org/10.1093/jofore/fvac019
Ramirez, R. (2021, July 9). The West is caught in a vicious climate change feedback loop. CNN. https://www.
cnn.com/2021/07/09/weather/heat-drought-climate-
feedback-loop/index.html
Saqib, M., Akhtar, J., & Qureshi, R. (2004). Pot study on wheat growth in saline and waterlogged compacted soil.
Soil & Tillage Research, 77(2), 179–187. https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.still.2003.12.005
Schieffer, J. (n.d.-b). Heat stress in urban trees. Retrieved July 21, 2023, from https://extension.psu.edu/
heat-stress-in-urban-trees#:~:text=Water%20shortages%20 and%20heat%20accumulate%20in%
20leaves%2C%20and,the%20water%20loss%20rate%20
from%20other%20tree%20layers.
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 107
REFERENCES
Schwarz, K., Fragkias, M., Boone, C. G., Zhou, W., McHale, M. R., Grove, J. E., O’Neil-Dunne, J., McFadden, J. P., Buckley, G. L., Childers, D. L., Ogden, L. A., Pincetl, S., Pataki, D. E., Whitmer, A., & Cadenasso, M. L. (2015).
Trees grow on money: urban tree canopy cover and
environmental justice. PLOS ONE, 10(4), e0122051.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0122051
Singh, S., Rao, D. N., Agrawal, M., Pandey, J., & Naryan, D. (1991). Air pollution tolerance index of plants. Journal of Environmental Management, 32(1), 45–55. https://doi.
org/10.1016/s0301-4797(05)80080-5
108 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX
9 APPENDIX
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 109
APPENDIX
APPENDIX: A TREE PLANTING STANDARDS ...........................108 APPENDIX: B ESTABLISHMENT CARE GUIDELINES ..............109 APPENDIX: C NURSERY STOCK SELECTION ..........................110 APPENDIX: D ROOT CORRECTION ............................................111 APPENDIX: E WATERING GUIDELINES ......................................112 APPENDIX: F TREE PRUNING .......................................................113 APPENDIX: G STRUCTURAL PRUNING .....................................114 APPENDIX: H URBAN WOOD .......................................................115 APPENDIX: I ROOT PRUNING DETAIL .......................................116 APPENDIX: J TREE SPACING RECOMMENDATIONS .............117 APPENDIX: K RECOMMENDED SPECIES PALETTE ................118 APPENDIX: L MONITORING PLAN .............................................120 APPENDIX: M FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES ...............................149 110 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: A
Tree Planting
and Mulching
Planting hole shall be dug no deeper than
the root ball and root collar is to be 1 to 2
inches above finished grade.
Round-topped soil berm 4 inches high by
8 inches wide above root ball surface shall
be constructed around the root ball.
Berm shall be built 6 to 12 inches outside
of root ball.
4” to 6” layer of mulch.
Root
Collar
Prior to mulching, lightly tamp soil around
the root ball (do not over compact).
After backfilling, slowly water to
saturate the root ball.
Root Ball Width
Planting Hole 2-3 Times Width of Root Ball
Loose soil. Dig and turn the
soil to reduce compaction.
Keep mulch 4 to 6 inches away from trunk.
Finished grade
URBAN TREE FOUNDATION
ADAPTED BY DUDEK
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 111
APPENDIX: B
Establishment
Care Guidelines
Install two stakes outside of the root ball.
Apply a layer of organic mulch 2 to 3 inches
thick inside the tree basin covering the berm.
Remove grass, weeds, ground covers.
Keep mulch 4 to 6 inches away from trunk.
Remove nursery stake.
Place non-abrasive tree ties in the middle to
lower portion of the tree to allow 3-4” of tree
sway in each direction.
Tree stakes should be firmly
secured vertically in the soil
2 feet deep.
URBAN TREE FOUNDATION
ADAPTED BY DUDEK
112 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: C
Nursery Stock Selection
Aspect ratio is
less than 0.66.
One central leader
(No codominant leaders)
Accept
Reject
Aspect ratio of B:A greater than or equal to 0.66 as measured 1" above the top of the branch union.
NOTE: 1. Nursery stock with significant mechanical injury, serious root defects, and trees that show signs of dehydration are to be rejected. 2. Aspect ratio shall be less than 0.66 on all branch unions.
Aspect ratio is the diameter of branch (B) divided by the diameter of the trunk (A) as measured 1" above the top of the branch union. 3. Any tree not meeting the crown observations detail may be rejected.
Accept
Reject
Aspect ratio of B:A less than 0.66 as measured 1"
above the top of the branch union
A
AB
A
B
1”
Branch
union
Branch
union
Branch
union
B
1”
1”
A
Branch
union
1”
B B
Aspect ratio is
greater than 0.66.
Multiple leaders
(Several co-dominant
leaders)
URBAN TREE FOUNDATION
ADAPTED BY DUDEK
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 113
APPENDIX: D
Root Correction for
Container Grown Trees
Remove girdling root
growing over or under
a structural root. Cut here
Structural roots circle
and do not radiate
from the trunk.
Structural roots do
not reach periphery.
Structural roots primarily grow
to one side or tangent to trunk.
Roots radiate from trunk and reach each side of root ball without deflecting down or around.
Accept
Reject
Structural
Roots
Absorbing
Roots
Bottom-Up View
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
Scenario 3
Remove excess
soil. Do not cover
root collar.
Root collar
Example 1 Example 2
URBAN TREE FOUNDATION
ADAPTED BY DUDEK
114 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: E
Drip line
Watering Guidelines
Watering for Wet Seasons
Watering Guidelines for
Hot and Dry Seasons Tree Age Frequency Quantity First 3
months after
planting
Deep water by
filling basin twice
a week
10-15 gallons
per watering
4 -12 months
following
planting
Fill the water basin
every week or every
other week
10-15 gallons
Year 2 - 3 Every 2 - 4 weeks
May through
October
15-20 gallons
Year 4 - 7 Once a month May
through October
deep watering
Prolonged and unexpected extreme
heat waves can threaten a newly
planted trees survivability by
depleting the available water inside
the tree and in the soil.
During these periods trees may need
additional watering once or twice a
week to be sustained.
It is critical to provide
additional water as soon as possible
during extreme heat events to
maintain tree health and vigor.
Prolonged saturated soil can lead to
tree mortality.
Turn off irrigation during rain events.
To avoid over watering a newly
planted tree, monitor soil moisture
after rain events.
If soil is saturated, stop watering.
Resume watering when soil is dry.
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 115
APPENDIX: F
Tree Pruning
Central
Leader
Suckers
2 1
3 4
5 6
7 8
Limbs that compete with the tree’s
central leader.
Rubbing, crossing branches.
Inadequate spacing between branches.
Awkward unattractive branches.
Watersprouts that shoot up from main
“scaffold” branches.
Dead, diseased, or broken limbs.
Limbs that sag or grow close to
the ground.
Suckers that grow from the roots or
base of the trunkground.
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
Healthy Pruning Cuts How to Make a Pruning Cut
To prune a tree limb larger than 2 inches in diameter cleanly and safely, as shown in the image above, use a pruning saw and make these three sequential cuts:
1 2
3 On the bottom of the limb between 6 and 12 inches from the trunk; cut about one-quarter of the way through.
Through the limb
from the top,
starting about 1 inch
beyond the first cut.
The weight of the
branch may cause it
to snap off before
the cut is complete.
Cut completely through the short remaining
stub from top to bottom just beyond the swollen
branch collar. Support the stub while sawing to
make a clean cut.
1 2
3 116 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: G
Structural Pruning: A Guide for the Green Industry
URBAN TREE FOUNDATION | ADAPTED BY DUDEK
1 Remove
broken branches.
2 Select central leader and
remove competing leaders.
NOTE: 1. At the time of planting, limit pruning to removal of broken, dead, or diseased branches only.
2. Young Tree Structural Pruning is to occur only after trees establish and resume normal growth rates following planting. 3 Select lowest
permanent branch.
4 Select scaffold
branches.
5 Select low temporary
branches. Cut back
and leave as temporary.
BEFORE PRUNING
WHAT TO PRUNE
AFTER PRUNING
Lowest
permanent
branch
3 4
Temporary branch
Scaffold
branch
5 Competing
leader
Pruning to Improve Young Tree Structure
Central
leader
2 Broken
branch
1 CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 117
APPENDIX: H
When a tree requires removal, the second life of the tree as urban wood begins.
A removed tree can be processed into firewood, mulch, compost, biochar, or end-use wood products like a bench or table.
Wood Products
Mulch
Compost
Biochar
Firewood
Tree Recycling
118 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: I
Notes:
SECTION VIEW
Crown drip line.
5x Trunk Diameter" 5x Trunk Diameter
Root Protection Zone
ROOT PRUNING GUIDELINES
1- Count the number of roots within 5x
the trunk diameter that are greater
than 2” in diameter.
2- Identify the number of roots within 5x
the trunk diameter that are greater than
2” in diameter that require pruning.
3- Divide total roots within 5x the trunk
diameter to be pruned by total roots
within 5x the trunk diameter to
determine % of roots to be pruned.
4- Root pruning will not exceed 30% of
the total roots within 5x the trunk
diameter.
5- Root pruning will not occur on
three or more sides of the tree.
ADD A ROAD HERE
ADD A SIDEWALK HERE
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 119
APPENDIX: J
Large
46 ft. tall and higher
15’
15’
12’ to 15’
10’
6’
6’ 4’ 3’
Spacing Guidelines Street Trees
30’ 16’
10’
8’ to 10’
Medium
26’ to 45’
Small
Up to 25’
15’
15’
10’ 10’
8’
6’
6’
6’ 6’
Spacing from
other trees
Spacing from
building foundations
Spacing from sidewalks,
curbs and driveways
Spacing from
sides of median
All trees
Streetlights
20 ft. from
trunk at
maturity
Fire Hydrant
10 ft. from
trunk at
maturity
Spacing from limbs
to overhead wires
Spacing from trunk at
maturity to in-ground
electrical lines
Spacing from trunk
at maturity to
in-ground gas lines
120 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: K
GGeennuuss SSppeecciieess
CCoommmmoonn NNaammee
((CClliicckk nnaammee ffoorr ssppeecciieess ffaacctt sshheeeett))
FFoolliiaaggee TTyyppee
((EEvveerrggrreeeenn,,
DDeecciidduuoouuss,,
CCoonniiffeerr))
SSiizzee HHeeiigghhtt
((FFtt))
CCrroowwnn
SSpprreeaadd
((FFtt))
SSppaacciinngg
bbeettwweeeenn
ttrreeeess
((FFtt))
MMiinniimmuumm
PPaarrkkwwaayy
WWiiddtthh ((FFtt))
OOvveerrhheeaadd
UUttiilliittyy
FFrriieennddllyy
WWaatteerr UUssee
CCllaassssiiffiiccaattiioonn ooff
LLaannddssccaappee SSppeecciieess
((WWUUCCOOLLSS)) rraattiinngg
RReeggiioonnaallllyy
NNaattiivvee
CCaalliiffoorrnniiaa
NNaattiivvee
Chionanthus retusus Chinese fringe tree
(Male only) D Small 30 6-12 20-25 4 Moderate No No
x Chitalpa tashkentensis chitalpa D Medium 20-40 20-40 30-35 4 Yes
Low No No
Lagerstroemia indica crape myrtle D Small 15 6-10 10-15 4 Yes Very Low No No Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala
'Flame' Flame Amur maple D Small 20 15-20 20-25 4 Yes Moderate No No Photinia x fraseri Fraser photinia E Small 30 8-12 10-15 4 Moderate No No Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' little gem magnolia E Small 20 10 20-25 4 Yes Moderate No No Cercis canadensis var. texensis
'Oklahoma' Oklahoma redbud D Small 15 15 20-25 4 Yes Moderate No No Prunus cerasifera 'Purple Pony Purple Pony flowering plum D Small 12 10 -12 20-25 4 Yes Moderate No No Laurus nobilis 'Saratoga' sweetbay E Medium 15-40 15-30 20-25 4 No Low No No Ebenopsis ebano Texas ebony E Medium 40 30-40 15-40 4 No Low No No Callistemon viminalis weeping bottlebrush E Small 20 15-20 15-20 4 Yes Low No No Cercis occidentalis western redbud D Small <20 <20 20-25 4 Yes Very Low Yes Yes Acer tataricum subsp. Ginnala Amur maple D Small 25 20-25 30-35 4 to 6 Yes Moderate No No Nyssa sylvatica black tupelo D Medium 35 20 30-35 4 to 6 No Moderate No No Lophostemon conferta Brisbane box E Medium 20-40 20-40 30-35 4 to 6 No Moderate No No Prosopis chilensis Chilean mesquite D Small 30+ 30+ 20-25 4 to 6 No Low No No Zelkova serrata 'City Sprite' City Sprite zelkova D Small 25 15-18 30-35 4 to 6 Yes Moderate No No Ulmus davidiana var. japonica
'Emerald Sunshine' Emerald Sunshine elm D Medium 35 15-25 30-35 4 to 6 No Moderate No No Pyrus kawakamii evergreen pear E Small 30 15-30 30-35 4 to 6 No Moderate No No Koelreuteria paniculata goldenrain D Medium 40 25-40 30-35 4 to 6 Moderate No No Acer campestre hedge maple D Small 35 25-35 30-35 4 to 6 No Moderate No No Ginkgo biloba 'The President' Presidential Gold ginkgo D Medium 50 40 30-35 4 to 6 No Moderate No No Acacia stenophylla shoestring acacia E Small 30 10-20 15-20 4 to 6 Yes Low No No Arbutus unedo strawberry madrone E Small 35 20-35 20-25 4 to 6 Yes Low No No Prosopis glandulosa 'Maverick' thornless honey mesquite D Medium 35 25-35 15-25 4 to 6 No Low Yes Yes Prosopis glandulosa 'Phoenix' thornless honey mesquite
'Maverick' D Medium 35 25-35 15-25 4 to 6 No Low Yes Yes Tristaniopsos laurina water gum E Small 35 15-30 20-25 4 to 6 Yes Moderate No No Zelkova serrata ‘Schmidtlow’ Wireless zelkova D Small 24 36 30-35 4 to 6 Yes Moderate No No Pinus eldarica Afghan pine C Medium 40+ 20-40 30-35 6 to 8 No Very low No No Afrocarpus falcatus African fern pine C Large 70 20-30 30-35 6 to 8 No Moderate No No Geijera parviflora Austrailian willow E Medium 35 20 15-20 6 to 8 No Moderate No No Prunus ilicifolia ssp. Lyonii Catalina cherry E Medium 35 20-30 15-20 6 to 8 No Low No Yes Koelreuteria bipinnata Chinese flame D Medium 20-40 20-40 30-35 6 to 8 Yes Moderate No No Melaleuca linariifolia flaxleaf paperbark E Medium 30 20-25 15-20 6 to 8 No Low No No Olea europaea 'Swan Hill' fruitless olive E Medium 20-40 <20 30-35 6 to 8 No Very Low No No Elaeocarpus sylvestris Japanese blueberry tree E Large 60 20-30 30-35 6 to 8 No Low No No 4 ft Parkways
4-6 ft Parkways
6 to 8 ft Parkways
Yes
Yes
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 121
APPENDIX: K
GGeennuuss SSppeecciieess
CCoommmmoonn NNaammee
((CClliicckk nnaammee ffoorr ssppeecciieess ffaacctt sshheeeett))
FFoolliiaaggee TTyyppee
((EEvveerrggrreeeenn,,
DDeecciidduuoouuss,,
CCoonniiffeerr))
SSiizzee HHeeiigghhtt
((FFtt))
CCrroowwnn
SSpprreeaadd
((FFtt))
SSppaacciinngg
bbeettwweeeenn
ttrreeeess
((FFtt))
MMiinniimmuumm
PPaarrkkwwaayy
WWiiddtthh ((FFtt))
OOvveerrhheeaadd
UUttiilliittyy
FFrriieennddllyy
WWaatteerr UUssee
CCllaassssiiffiiccaattiioonn ooff
LLaannddssccaappee SSppeecciieess
((WWUUCCOOLLSS)) rraattiinngg
RReeggiioonnaallllyy
NNaattiivvee
CCaalliiffoorrnniiaa
NNaattiivvee
Pistacia chinensis 'Keith Davey' Keith Davey Chinese pistache D Medium 40+ 40+ 30-35 6 to 8 No Low No No Callistemon citrinus lemon bottle brush E Medium 25 25 15-25 6 to 8 No Low No No Arbutus marina' marina madrone E Medium 40-50 40 30-35 6 to 8 No Low No No Melaleuca styphelioides prickly melaleuca E Medium 40 10-20 15-20 6 to 8 No Low No No Ulmus wilsoniana Prospector elm D Large 40-50 25-30 20-25 4 to 6 No Low No No Vachellia farnesiana sweet acacia D Medium 25 15-25 15-25 6 to 8 Yes Very Low No No Acer rubrum 'Armstrong' Armstrong red maple D Large 60 15-25 35-40 8+ No Moderate No No Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred' Autumn Blaze red maple D Large 65 30-40 35-40 8+ No High No No Cinnamomum camphora camphor D Large 70 50-60 35-40 8+ No Moderate No No Quercus chrysolepis canyon live oak E Large 70+ 30+ 30-35 8+ No Low No Yes Quercus canbyi chisos oak D/E Large 50+ 30-50 30-35 8+ No low No No Quercus agrifolia coast live oak E Large 70 40+ 30-35 8+ No Very Low Yes yes Quercus suber cork oak E Large 70 70 35-40 8+ No Low No No Cedrus deodora deodar cedar C Large 40+ 40+ 35-40 8+ No Low No No Quercus engelmannii engelmann oak D Large 65 80-120 30-35 8+ No Low No Yes Fraxinus Fan-West' fan west ashn D Medium 50 30-40 35-40 8+ No Moderate No No Quercus wislizeni interior live oak E Large 70+ 40-80 30-35 8+ No Very Low Yes Yes Sophora japonica 'Regent' Japanese pagoda tree D Medium 50 30-40 25-30 8+ No Low No No Ginkgo biloba maidenhair tree D Medium 70 25 35-40 8+ No Moderate No No Acer rubrum 'October Glory' October Glory red maple D Large 50 25 -35 35-40 8+ No Moderate No No Quercus rubra red oak D Large 80 50-70 35-40 8+ No Moderate No No Acer rubrum 'Franksred' Red Sunset maple D Large 50 30- 40 35-40 8+ No Moderate No No Casuarina cunninghamiana river she-oak E Large 70 30 20-30 8+ No Low No No Magnolia grandiflora 'Russet' Russet southern magnolia E Large 50 15-25 25-30 8+ No Moderate No No Quercus coccinea scarlet oak D Large 70 50 30-35 8+ No Moderate No No Quercus robur 'Skymaster' Skymaster English oak D Large 50 25 30-35 8+ No Moderate No No Quercus vriginiana southern live oak E Large 80+ 60-100 30-35 8+ No Moderate No No Quercus lobata valley oak D Large 50-70 50 30-35 6 to 8 No Low No Yes Zelkova serrata 'Village Green' Village Green sawleaf zelkova D Large 60 45-50 30-35 8+ No Moderate No No Platanus racemosa western sycamore D Large 80 20-50 35-40 8+ No Moderate Yes Yes 8+ ft Parkways and Parks
122 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
������ �����: �� ����, �� ������
Achieve desired degree of tree cover, based on potential or according to goals set for entire municipality and for each neighborhood or land use.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
e existing canopy cover for entire municipality is <50% of the desired canopy.
FAIR (1)
e existing canopy is 50%-75% of desired.
GOOD (2)
e existing canopy is >75%-100% of desired.
OPTIMAL (4)
e existing canopy is >75%-100% of desired – at individual neighborhood level as well as overall municipality.
Fresno 8.2.23
Measure Your Current Tree Canopy and Set Goals
����� ������ ����������
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 123
APPENDIX: L
���������
Current and comprehensive inventory of tree resource to guide its management, including data such as age distribution, species mix, tree condition, and risk assessment.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No inventory
FAIR (1)
Complete or sample-based inventory of publicly owned trees.
GOOD (2)
Inventory guides planning, management decisions.
OPTIMAL (4)
Systematic comprehensive inventory system of entire urban forest – with information tailored to users and supported by mapping in municipality-wide GIS system. Provides for change analysis.
Urban Forest Inventory and Assessment
124 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
���������� �����������
Urban forest policy and practice driven by accurate, high-resolution, and recent assessments of existing and potential canopy cover, with comprehensive goals municipality-wide and at neighborhood or smaller management level.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No assessment.
GOOD (2)
Low-resolution and/or point-based sampling of canopy cover using aerial photographs or satellite imagery, for example i-Tree Canopy.
BETTER (3)
Complete, detailed, and spatially explicit, high-resolution Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) assessment based on enhanced data (such as LIDAR) – accompanied by comprehensive set of goals by land use and other parameters.
OPTIMAL (4)
As described for "Better" rating – and all utilized e�ectively to drive urban forest and green infrastructure policy and practice municipality-wide and at neighborhood or smaller management level.
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APPENDIX: L
���������� �� ��������-����� �����
Current and detailed understanding of the condition and risk potential of all publicly owned trees that are managed intensively (or individually).
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No information.
FAIR (1)
Sample-based tree inventory indicating tree condition and risk level.
GOOD (2)
Complete tree inventory that includes detailed tree condition ratings.
OPTIMAL (4)
Complete GIS tree inventory that includes detailed tree condition and risk ratings.
Know What's Happening to Trees in Your Community
126 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
���������� �� ��������-����� ������� �����
Detailed understanding of the ecological structure and function of all publicly owned natural areas (such as woodlands, ravines, stream corridors, etc.), as well as usage patterns.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No information.
FAIR (1)
Identi�ed only in natural area survey.
GOOD (2)
Level and type of public use documented.
BETTER (3)
Ecological structure and function of all natural areas assessed and documented.
OPTIMAL (4)
Management plan focused on sustaining and, where possible, improving overall ecological structure and function while facilitating appropriate public use. Plan should consider impacts on contiguous natural areas [open space corridors] outside the community's borders CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 127
APPENDIX: L
���������� �� ����� �� ������� ��������
Understanding of extent, location, and general condition of privately owned trees across the urban forest.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No information.
FAIR (1)
Aerial, point-based assessment – capturing extent and location.
GOOD (2)
Bottom-up sample based assessment, as well as basic aerial view.
OPTIMAL (4)
Bottom-up sample based assessment, as well as detailed UTC analysis of entire urban forest, including private property, integrated into municipality-wide [multi-agency] GIS system. LIDAR and hyper-spectral imaging most helpful.
128 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
�������� ����������� ����� �� �������
Understanding the age, health and condition of publicly-owned trees, by species. Note: Establishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPIEstablishing an RPI for common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree speciesfor common public tree species requires at least a sample-based �eld inventory and assessment.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No information.
FAIR (1)
Six most common species have lower RPI scores than the average of all species in community. (<1.)
GOOD (2)
Half of the six most common species have higher RPI scores than the average of all species in community. (>1.)
OPTIMAL (4)
All six most common species have higher RPI scores than the average of all species in community. (>1.)
Urban Forest Characteristics
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 129
APPENDIX: L
��� �� ������ ����������
Preservation and enhancement of local natural biodiversity .
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No coordinated focus on native vegetation.
FAIR (1)
Voluntary use of native species on publicly and privately owned lands; invasive species are recognized.
GOOD (2)
Use of native species is encouraged on a project-appropriate basis in all areas; invasive species are recognized and discouraged on public and private lands.
OPTIMAL (4)
Native species are widely used on a project-appropriate basis in all areas; invasive species are proactively managed for eradication to the full extent possible. 130 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
����� ��������� �����������
Align a�ected municipal departments, county and regional authorities and state agencies behind common agenda.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
Municipal departments/agencies take actions impacting urban forest with no cross- departmental coordination or consideration of the urban forest resource.
FAIR (1)
Municipal departments/agencies recognize potential con�icts and reach out to urban forest managers on an ad hoc basis – and vice versa.
GOOD (2)
Informal teams among departments and agencies communicate regularly and collaborate on a project-speci�c basis.
OPTIMAL (4)
Municipal policy implemented by formal interdepartmental/interagency working teams on all municipal projects.
Engaging Peers and Residents in Process
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APPENDIX: L
������ ��������� �� �������� ��� ��������������
Enable community stakeholders to participate in and help shape planning process.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
Little or no citizen involvement or neighborhood action.
FAIR (1)
Some neighborhood groups engaged across the community but no minimal outreach to assure underserved neighborhoods participate e�ectively.
GOOD (2)
Many active neighborhood groups engaged in advancing urban forest goals, but with little or no overall coordination with municipality or its partnering NGOs.
OPTIMAL (4)
Proactive outreach and coordination e�orts by municipality and NGO partners resulting in widespread citizen involvement and structured engagement among diverse neighborhood groups.
132 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
������������� ������
Ensure that the bene�ts of urban forests are made available to all, especially to those in greatest need of tree bene�ts.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
Tree planting and outreach is not determined equitably by canopy cover or need for bene�ts.
FAIR (1)
Planting and outreach includes attention to low canopy neighborhoods or areas.
GOOD (2)
Planting and outreach targets neighborhoods with low canopy and a high need for tree bene�ts.
OPTIMAL (4)
Equitqable planting and outreach at the neighborhood level is guided by strong resident involvement in low canopy/high need areas. Residents participate actively in identifying needs for their neighborhoods, planning, implementation and monitoring.
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 133
APPENDIX: L
����� ������������ �� ����� ��������� ��������
Stakeholders from all sectors and constituencies within municipality – private and public, commercial and nonpro�t, entrepreneurs and elected ocials, community groups and individual citizens – understand, appreciate, and advocate for the role and importance of the urban forest as a resource.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
General ambivalence or negative attitudes about trees, which are perceived as neutral at best or as the source of problems. Actions harmful to trees may be taken deliberately.
FAIR (1)
Trees generally recognized as important and bene�cial.
GOOD (2)
Trees widely acknowledged as providing environmental, social, and economic services – resulting in some action or advocacy in support of the urban forest.
OPTIMAL (4)
Urban forest recognized as vital to the community's environmental, social, and economic well- being.
134 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
������ ����� ������� ���������� ��� ������������
Large private landholders – including school systems, universities and corporate campuses – embrace and advance municipality-wide urban forest goals and objectives by implementing speci�c resource management plans.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
Large private landholders are generally uninformed about urban forest issues and opportunities.
FAIR (1)
Municipality educates landowners, provides technical assistance, sets goals and provides incentives for managing resources in accordance with plan.
GOOD (2)
Landowners develop tree management plans that advance municipal urban forest goals.
OPTIMAL (4)
Tree management plans developed with input from community, and public access to the property's forest resource.
Creating Essential, Eective Public/Private Partnerships CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 135
APPENDIX: L
��� ��������� ���� ���� ������������, ������ ����
All utilities – above and below ground – employ best management practices and cooperate with municipality to advance goals and objectives related to urban forest issues and opportunities.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No utility consideration of the health of the urban forest resource.
FAIR (1)
Utilities take actions impacting urban forest with no municipal coordination.
GOOD (2)
Utilities employ best management practices, recognize potential municipal con�icts, and reach out to urban forest managers on an ad hoc basis – and vice versa.
BETTER (3)
Utilities are included in informal municipal teams that communicate regularly and collaborate on a project-speci�c basis.
136 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
����� �������� �������� �����, ���� ���������
Green industry works together to advance municipality-wide urban forest goals and objectives, and adheres to high professional standards.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
Little or no cooperation among segments of green industry or awareness of municipality-wide urban forest goals and objectives.
FAIR (1)
Some cooperation among green industry as well as general awareness and acceptance of municipality-wide goals and objectives.
GOOD (2)
Speci�c collaborate arrangements across segments of green industry in support of municipality-wide goals and objectives.
OPTIMAL (4)
Shared vision and goals and extensive committed partnerships in place. Solid adherence to high professional standards, and commitment to credentialing and continuing education.
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 137
APPENDIX: L
������� ����� ������ ���������� ����
Develop and implement a comprehensive urban forest management plan for public and private property .
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No urban forest management plan.
LOW (-1 )
Modest planting on public lands primarily for replacement on case-by-case basis, reactive risk management.
GOOD (2)
Community adopted a city-wide canopy goal as o�cial policy, based on best available canopy data, and scaled from community to neighborhood level.
GOOD (2)
New or recent urban forest management plan developed to achieve goal for publicly-owned forest resources.
BETTER (3)
New or recent urban forest and green infrastructure management plan which targets public tree planting sites, protection and maintenance based on assessment of anticipated bene�ts ranging from stormwater to heat island mitigation, public health, etc.
OPTIMAL (4)
New or recent urban forest and green infrastructure management plan which targets public and private tree planting and protection based on assessment of anticipated bene�ts – and assures these bene�ts are distributed equitably among neighborhoods.
Resource Management: Planning
138 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
����������� �������� ���� ����� ��������������
Cooperation and interaction on urban forest plans among neighboring municipalities within a region, and/or with regional agencies.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
Municipalities have no interaction with each other or the broader region. No regional planning or coordination on urban forestry.
FAIR (1)
Some neighboring municipalities and regional agencies share similar urban forest policies and plans.
GOOD (2)
Some urban forest planning and cooperation across municipalities and regional agencies.
OPTIMAL (4)
Widespread regional cooperation resulting in development of regional urban forestry strategy.
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 139
APPENDIX: L
�������� ���� ���������� ���� ����� ��������� �����
Forestry plan is designed to reinforce, and be reinforced through comprehensive plans, sustainability plans, park development, storm water and watershed plans, neighborhood revitalization, climate mitigation and sustainability plans, etc.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
Urban forestry plan mentions how it could meet other municipal objectives, or inform other planning e�orts.
FAIR (1)
Urban forestry planning team presents plan to other agencies, encouraging them to consider how forestry might help achieve their objectives.
GOOD (2)
Once completed, urban forestry planning team works with other agencies to align current and future objectives.
OPTIMAL (4)
All agencies whose goals are served by urban forestry practices, participate in creation of forestry plan, and commit to designated roles and responsibilities. 140 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
����� �������� ������� �������� [������� �� ��-����� ��� ���������� �����]
Maintain sucient well-trained personnel and equipment – whether in-house or through contracted or volunteer services – to implement municipality-wide urban forest management plan.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
Lack of personnel and/or adequate equipment severely limits needed maintenance. Few resources, if any available to achieve new goals.
FAIR (1)
Lack of sta� training and/or access to adequate equipment limits e�ectiveness.
GOOD (2)
T eam has capacity in terms of trained sta� and equipment to achieve many of the goals of the urban forest management plan.
Resource Management: Implementation
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 141
APPENDIX: L
������������-���� ����� �������� �������
Develop and maintain adequate funding to implement municipality-wide urban forest management plan.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
Little or no dedicated funding.
FAIR (1)
Ad hoc funding for emergency, reactive management.
GOOD (2)
Funding su�cient for some proactive management based on urban forest management plan.
OPTIMAL (4)
Sustained, long-term funding from multiple municipal, regional and/or state angencies, along with private sources to implement a comprehensive urban forest management plan, and provide for maintenance and adaptive management as circumstances change. 142 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
������� ���� �����������
All publicly owned trees are selected for each site and planted in conditions that are modi�ed as needed to ensure survival and maximize current and future tree bene�ts.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
Trees selected and planted without consideration of site conditions.
FAIR (1)
Appropriate tree species are considered in site selection.
GOOD (2)
Municipality-wide guidelines for the improvement of planting site conditions and selection of suitable species.
OPTIMAL (4)
All trees planted in sites with adequate soil quality and quantity, and with su�cient growing space and overall site conditions to achieve their genetic potential and thus provide maximum ecosystem services. Where growing conditions are poor, guidance provided on how to improve soil volume, quality, other factors.
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 143
APPENDIX: L
���� ������������� ��� �����������
Comprehensive and e�ective tree planting and establishment program is driven by canopy cover and goals and other considerations according to plan.
CURRENT GOAL
VERY LOW (-2 )
Little or no tree planting. Tree establishment is ad hoc.
LOW (-1 )
Some tree planting and establishment occurs, but with limited overall municipality-wide planning and post-planting care.
FAIR (1)
Limited planning and post-planting care. Planting takes place on plan-identi�ed sites. None or only fragmentary planting and maintenance protocols.
GOOD (2)
Planting and post-planting care and maintenance protocols in place.
OPTIMAL (4)
Comprehensive tree establishment plan provides concrete guidance on most of the following criteria: site selection, size, age class, diversity of species, native plant choice; planting protocols [e.g. minimum soil volumes, soil conditions]; young tree care, including region appropriate irrigation requirements. Includes provisions and funding for maintenance. 144 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
���������� �� ��������-����� ������� �����
e ecological integrity of all publicly owned natural areas is protected and enhanced – while accommodating public use where appropriate.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No natural areas management plans or implementation in e�ect.
FAIR (1)
Only reactive management to facilitate public use, e.g. hazard abatement, trail maintenance.
GOOD (2)
Management plan in place for each publicly owned natural area to facilitate appropriate public use.
OPTIMAL (4)
Management plan for each publicly owned natural area focused on sustaining and, where possible, improving overall ecological integrity (i.e., structure and function) – while facilitating appropriate public use.
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 145
APPENDIX: L
�������� ���� ������ ���� ����� �������� �� ������� ����� Because private lands comprise the majority of canopy cover for most municipalities, plans and policies should address – through rules, fees and incentives – how owners contribute to the overall health of the urban forest and the bene�ts it delivers.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No tree protection ordinance, or one that's weak and rarely enforced.
FAIR (1)
Strong tree protection ordinance focused on maintaining mature trees with e�ective procedures.
GOOD (2)
Policies regarding stormwater, site and subdivision planning, zoning and other issues that a�ect private forests are included in management plan.
OPTIMAL (4)
All relevant municipal policies require or incentivize adherence by private owners to standards incorporated in the plan. Incentives and sanctions applied when appropriate. SEE LIST OF POLICIES.
146 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
���� ���������� ������ ��� �����������
e bene�ts derived from trees on public and private land are ensured by the enforcement of municipality- wide policies, including tree care “best management practices.”
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No tree protection policy
FAIR (1)
Policies in place to protect public trees and employ industry best management practices, but rare or inconsistent enforcement.
GOOD (2)
Policies and practices in place to protect public trees, generally enforced. As a companion to the public tree care policy, community issues a guide to aid compliance for all a�ected agency sta�s and contractors.
BETTER (3)
Policies include construction standards for on-site tree protection, establishment and maintenance. Conforms to and references ANSI Standards for arboricultural practices (A300), safety (Z133), and nursery stock (Z60.1), as well as applicable ISA BMPs.
OPTIMAL (4)
Integrated municipality-wide policies and practices to protect public and private trees, consistently enforced and with penalties su�cient to deter violations.
Resource Management: Monitoring and Maintenance
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 147
APPENDIX: L
����������
Periodic, cyclical inspection of urban trees to identify health, pests and disease, growth, canopy , site conditions, and potential risks. Regular inspections guide urban forest management activities, including regular maintenance, species selection, planting sites, preventative and reactive disease and pest control.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No monitoring.
FAIR (1)
Monitoring is infrequent and reactive to reported changes in tree health, site condition.
GOOD (2)
Monitoring on a regular basis with rotating schedule for each area. Monitors are professionals or volunteers trained to collect speci�c data required by municipality. Multi-year data available for trend analyses.
OPTIMAL (4)
Monitoring adheres to the standards and protocols established by the Urban Tree Growth and Longevity network.
148 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
���� ���� ����������
Comprehensive tree risk management program fully implemented, according to ANSI A300 (Part 10) “Tree Risk Assessment” standards, and supporting industry best management practices.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No tree risk assessment or risk management program. Response is on a reactive basis only.
FAIR (1)
Citizens and city sta� report tree safety issues to the forestry department or manager (e.g. 3-1- 1 system, online form, etc.). System tracks the time between damage report and mitigation action.
GOOD (2)
e community has written tree risk management policy (aka, 'standard of care') and an operational plan for inspecting and mitigating reported tree problems, including a timetable for mitigating potential hazards.
BETTER (3)
Policies and ordinances in place to minimize tree damage and removal on commercial developments, and public capital. Protection measures conform to ANSI A300 standards and ISA BMPs.
OPTIMAL (4)
Includes "better" but with TRAQ-quali�ed contractors on city projects. Educate tree care companies and public about importance of TRAQ quali�cations.
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 149
APPENDIX: L
����� ���� ��� ����� ����� �����������
Create a closed system diverting all urban wood and green waste through reuse and recycling.
CURRENT GOAL
LOW (-1 )
No utilization plan; wood and other green waste goes to land�ll with little or no recycling and reuse.
FAIR (1)
While most green waste does not go to land�ll, uses are limited to chips or mulch.
GOOD (2)
e majority of green waste is reused or recycled – for energy, products, and other purposes beyond chips or mulch.
OPTIMAL (4)
Comprehensive plan and processes in place to utilize all green waste one way or another, to the fullest extent possible.
150 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX: L
CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN | 151
APPENDIX
Funding OpportunitiesFunding Opportunities
Grants
Environmental
Enhancement Mitigation
Program (California
Natural Resources
Agency)
With up to $7 million allocated each fiscal year, this program encourages projects that produce multiple benefits including reducing greenhouse gas emissions; increasing water use efficiency; reducing risks from climate change impacts; and demonstrating collaboration with local, state, and community entities.
Eligible projects, including tree planting and habitat restoration must be directly or indirectly related to the environmental impact of the modification of an existing transportation facility or construction of a new transportation facility.
Urban Flood Protection
Grant Program (California
Natural Resources
Agency)
The Urban Flood Protection Program was created by Proposition 68 targeting multi-benefit projects in urbanized areas to address flooding. Projects must address flooding in urban areas, protect people, and protect property from flood damage. Examples of eligible projects include tree planting, establishment care, and creating native landscapes with stormwater capture features like bioswales. There have been two funding cycles between 2020 and 2022, amounting in $92.5 million.
Urban and Community
Forestry Program
(CAL FIRE)
Multiple grant programs supported by the Urban and Community Forestry Program have funded tree planting, tree inventories, urban wood and biomass utilization, blighted urban lands improvements, and green schoolyards to advance the goals and objectives of supporting healthy urban forests and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. .
Urban Greening Grant
Program (California
Natural Resources
Agency)
Consistent with Assembly Bill 32 (2006), the Urban Greening Grant Program funds projects that reduce greenhouse gases by sequestering carbon, decreasing energy consumption, and reducing vehicles miles traveled, while also transforming the built environment into more sustainable, enjoyable, and effective places, creating healthy and vibrant communities. In previous years, approximately $20-30 million was available for selected project applicants, which included public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and qualifying districts.
As of February 2024, budget allocations are uncertain.
Active T ransportation
Program (California
Department of
T ransportation)
This program provides funding to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking. T rees and other vegetation are significant components of several eligible projects under the Active T ransportation Program, including parks, trails, and safe routes to schools. Applicants include public agencies, transit agencies, school districts, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations. 152 | CITY OF FRESNO URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX
Grants
Affordable Housing and
Sustainable Communities
(California Strategic
Growth Council)
The Strategic Growth Council is authorized to fund land use, housing, transportation, and land preservation projects to support infill and compact development that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Urban Greening is a threshold requirement for all Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities funded projects. Eligible urban greening projects include, but are not limited to, rainwater recycling; flow and filtration systems including rain gardens, stormwater planters, and filters; vegetated swales; bioretention basins; infiltration trenches; and integration with riparian buffers, shade trees, community gardens, parks, and open space. Funding for 2024 is estimated at $675 million and will be available to locality (e.g., local agencies), developer (entity responsible for project construction), or program operator (day-to-day operational project administrator) applicants.
Storm Water Grant
Program (California State
Water Resources Control
Board)
The State Water Resources Control Board is funding surface and groundwater storage, ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration, and drinking water protection through the Storm Water Grant Program. The program prioritizes multiple benefit projects, including projects that increase tree canopy.
Approximately $200 million in grant funding have been awarded.
Extreme Heat and
Community Resilience
Program
(California Office of
Planning and Research)
This program funds and supports local, regional, and tribal efforts to reduce the impacts of extreme heat. The Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program coordinates the state’s efforts to address extreme heat and the urban heat island effect and will allocate $20 million in grant funding. Eligible projects include increasing shade. Planning and implementation projects include studies, development of planning documents, providing shade, increasing building and surface reflectance, and developing passive or low-energy cooling strategies. *Fees, Assessments, T axes
Parcel Tax
A parcel tax is a special tax levied for the provision of special benefits. Revenues from special taxes must be used for the specific purpose for which they are intended, so a parcel tax would create a dedicated funding stream for street trees. Similar to a special assessment, a parcel tax cannot be based on the value of property; however, the amount levied on each parcel need not be directly related to the benefits provided (ILG 2008).
Cities have the flexibility to levy parcel taxes as they see fit, but they are typically based on lot square footage or levied as a flat tax, with the same amount per parcel (CTD 2012a). Parcel taxes are designed to encompass entire cities and therefore, are good candidates for a citywide street tree program, as opposed to the district- level approach that often occurs under special assessments.
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APPENDIX
*Fees, Assessments, T axes
Landscape and Lighting
Assessment Districts
LLADs are a form of special assessment that finance improvements to landscaping, lighting and open space, along with open space acquisition. The Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 authorizes municipal agencies in California to initiate and administer LLADs. The creation of a LLAD, as with any special assessment, requires the preparation of an Engineer’s Report that demonstrates the nexus between fees assessed and benefits provided, followed by majority (50 percent plus one) approval via a special ballot, pursuant to Proposition 218. LLADs are widely used throughout California to fund a range of public realm improvements and services related to street trees, streetscape improvements, street and traffic lights, and recreational facilities, among others. As with parcel taxes, LLADs typically fund more than just street tree planting, establishment care, and maintenance. While a LLAD could be designed for street trees alone, the process may attract other agencies in need of additional revenue and interested in expanding the scope to services, such as park and recreation maintenance. One caution would be to avoid setting the assessment so high as to generate voter backlash.
Local municipalities have often convened focus groups to determine the appropriate assessment level.
General Obligation Bonds
Local governments commonly use General Obligation (GO) bonds to fund construction and improvement of projects involving real property (e.g., buildings, infrastructure, and parks). GO bonds typically carry low interest rates, making them attractive for capital projects, which may include tree planting. However, funding is available for discrete projects, often over a limited time rather than an extended period. In addition, ongoing maintenance is ineligible for GO bond funding pursuant to federal tax law. California cities pay debt service from GO bonds through ad valorem property taxes, where assessments are based on property value. As a result, the issuance of GO bonds requires two-thirds voter approval (State T reasurer 2008).
Maintenance Assessment
Districts
The Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 authorizes Maintenance Assessment Districts (MADs), which are closely related to LLADs. The key difference is that charter cities, can create MADs for the provision of services not specifically authorized under state law, thereby broadening their use (Griffin, pers. comm., 2012). MADs may be used to finance street tree care, but as with a LLAD, a MAD intended for street trees alone could also attract the attention of other agencies interested in funding the provision of additional non-related services.
Community Benefit
Districts
Community Benefit Districts (CBDs) are used to finance neighborhood revitalization, commonly in commercial areas. Special benefits typically include public safety, economic development, beautification, and streetscape improvements. Formation of a CBD requires property owners to petition the appropriate local agency and demonstrate an interest in paying for additional services. A non-profit Board of Directors typically comprised of property owners, businesses, and government representatives administers a CBD.
While CBDs may include street tree planting and maintenance, this is rarely the focus. * Source: City of San Francisco, Financing San Francisco’s Urban Forest 2013
PREPARED BY
Urban Forest Management Plan